The IJQHC Communications recently published a must-read article on the use of barcode technology and how this can make a difference to patient safety in the post-COVID era. The article is co-authored by Peter Lachman M.D. MPH. M.B.B.Ch., FRCPCH, FCP (SA) and Els van der Wilden M.D. MPH.

The article sheds the light on the fact that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has demonstrated the value of digital solutions to patient care and to patient safety. Within this read, there are many solutions that have yet to be fully implemented. In this commentary, they discuss the value of barcode technology to ensure secure supply chains and the delivery of reliable and efficient processes in healthcare. The intent of this publication is to facilitate the implementation of World Health Organization policies on supply chains as well as support initiatives on medication safety.

To read the full article: click here.

About the authors

Peter Lachman M.D. MPH. M.B.B.Ch., FRCPCH, FCP (SA), FRCPI was Chief Executive Officer of the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) from 1st May 2016 to 30th April 2021. He is Lead Faculty Quality Improvement at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) in Dublin. He is co-founder and Chairperson of PIPSQC, the Paediatric International Patient Safety and Quality Community.

Els van der Wilden M.D. MPH. Medical doctor with a degree in tropical health and public health, experienced in healthcare governance and patient safety. Worked in cross-cultural medical work (Africa); at the payers site (healthcare insurance company); in hospital management (Director in academic hospital & Medical Board member teaching hospital); as Director for hospital related healthcare in the Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate. Experienced Trustee in several types of healthcare organisations. She is currently Director Healthcare Providers at GS1.

On the Journal

IJQHC Communications is an open-access, peer-reviewed, international journal that publishes research related to quality and safety in health care, with a focus on implementation science, for a worldwide readership.
The journal publishes papers in all disciplines related to the quality and safety of health care, including health services research, health care evaluation, technology assessment, health economics, utilization review, cost containment and nursing care research, as well as protocols and clinical research related to the quality of care.