Medical Wristbands

Posted March 27, 2012

Industry Need

Effective patient care is predicated on accuracy, but human error is exceptionally difficult to eliminate in the inherently high-touch medical environment. To address this, barcodes and automatic ID technologies are being used increasingly across a wide range of medical practices. Patient wristbands are one common application area. Intermec patient wristbands ensure positive identification for integration with verification systems for medication, samples, and surgical procedures.

The five rights of medication safety (right patient, right drug, right time, right dose, right route) provide an important framework for verification of pharmaceutical administration, but commonly rely on manual human checks. Integration of positive patient ID with barcode wristbands provides a highly reliable adjunct to eliminate human error. With increasing implementation of patient electronic medical record (EMR), scanning the wristband can trigger caregiver notification of allergies or other special requirements.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has made improving the accuracy of patient identification a high priority, and it remains the number one goal in the pre-release version of the 2010 National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) for hospitals. Recognizing the accuracy enhancements of auto ID technologies, bar code verification is specifically cited as an acceptable alternative to resourceintensive two-person verification required for administration of blood products.

Reference Link

JCAHO 2010 National Patient Safety Goals

Intermec Solution

Intermec INband wristbands provide the positive identification hospitals need for maximum patient safety. Excellent print quality ensures both standard and 2D bar codes will be scanned accurately. Durable topcoating provides high resistance to soaps, hand sanitizers, moisture, and other conditions commonly encountered in the hospital environment. Flexible and lightweight, the Intermec band is easy to apply, minimizing the curl that may be experienced with other products. High tensile strength film and a high-shear adhesive closure securely affix the band in place for the duration of the patient stay. A robust tamper-evident closure feature protects the integrity of the patient identification system.

Direct thermal technology delivers mission-critical printing system reliability while providing straightforward compliance with HIPAA regulations for security of patient information. Simple, intuitive printer loading and one-at-a-time printing allows bands to be generated with minimal waste. Designed to accommodate a wide range of needs, Intermec INband configurations are available to identify patients from newborns to adults.

Products

INband Wristband

Printer Recommendation

PC23 Desktop Printer

  • Intuitive – Super Easy to Install & Use
    • 10-language LCD or Icon graphics user interface maximizes uptime
    • One hand media loading for trouble-free use
    • Fastest throughput in its class at 8 ips
    • Quick configuration with USB stick device
  • Flexible – Fits your business needs today & tomorrow
    • User installable connectivity upgrades and accessories for scalability
    • Leading command languages for seamless deployment
    • Modular IT-friendly design speeds up deployment and support
  • Smart – Keeps you informed & productive
    • Remote status updates with Intermec tools minimize downtime
    • Programmable with ability to directly add keyboard or scale improves efficiency

The Intermec Advantage

With safety and quality of care depending on accurate patient identification, wristband system components must work together flawlessly. Intermec printers and media are optimized to deliver superior performance when used together. Our rigorous testing and co-engineering ensures consistently high print quality, proven performance in demanding real-world environments, and maximum print head service life for reduced downtime.

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