QR Codes Nursing
Quick Response (QR) codes are data rich images that can be scanned and decoded instantly by common devices like smartphones and handheld computers. The QR codes are being used in a wide range of sectors for purposes as diverse as marketing and medical records. In this case, QR codes are being used in a medical context. Emergency workers are banking on the ability for QR codes to live up to their "Quick Response" promise to help save lives when time is a critical matter. However, there are some concerns about the logistics and implementation of the QR codes. Relying on technology at a critical life-death moment has its drawbacks, especially in this case due to the fact that the data linked to the code must be up-to-date. Therefore, there are serious accuracy issues that must be addressed first before the QR code program becomes more widespread and commonly available. In addition to the accuracy issues, there are potential ethical issues with how the pilot study is being performed. Informed consent is critical, and this means educating the senior population involved in the study. Other ethical concerns are related to the eventual use of the QR codes only among patient populations who can afford them or who have access to them. Many of the participants will be unfamiliar with smartphones, QR codes, and other new technologies. Finally, the QR code case study draws attention to the potential...
The most important concerns about implementing QR codes in an emergency medical worker scenario include accuracy, ethics, privacy, and security.
Accuracy concerns are linked primarily to the fact that electronic medical record keeping has yet to become robust and standardized. As Estabrooks, et al. (2012) found, there remains a need for information "harmonization" of data in order to ensure the optimal use of electronic medical records (p. 575). There is no use in having a QR code linked to a database that is out of date. Likewise, there might be a situation in which the patient is picked up by a health care team that has no access to the medical records. Until the electronic databases that the QR code is linked with are robust and well maintained, as well as standardized, then the implementation of the program will be limited. It is important to target the entire system and ensure standardization. The case also does not make clear who is inputting the patient medical information. If the seniors are entrusted with this responsibility, then the study might show that the data is inaccurate. If, however, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team are inputting the patient data, then the members of the health care team need to ensure that systems are updated on a daily basis. Any…
