Application of QR Codes in Clinical Equipment Management

Original article: https://cli.im/article/detail/1924

With the continuous development of internet+ information technology, the ICU department at our hospital has pioneered the implementation of CaoLiao QR code-based information management for over 100 critical care devices including PICOO2 monitors, hemodialysis machines, ventilators, ECG monitors, syringe pumps, defibrillators, electric suction units, electrocardiographs, blood gas analyzers, and sputum excretion machines. This initiative aligns with the nursing department's requirements for digital management.

Importance of Equipment Management

The ICU serves as the centralized unit for intensive treatment of critically ill patients, equipped with the hospital's most advanced monitoring and therapeutic devices. As medical technology advances, the management and operation of increasingly sophisticated equipment have become more challenging. Proper daily maintenance and ensuring equipment readiness are prerequisites for safe patient care.

Limitations of Paper-based Management

Traditional equipment management methods using physical instruction cards face multiple issues:

• Compromised device aesthetics
• Susceptibility to damage/loss
• Limited information capacity
• Inconvenient access for on-demand learning
• Degradation of identification labels during disinfection
• Difficulty tracking maintenance history

Implementation of QR Code-based Information Management

Under the leadership of Head Nurses Huang Caiyun and Lin Xian, an innovation team consisting of Gu Feng, Li Jincong, Chen Yiwen, and Liang Shaowang developed a comprehensive QR code management system for over 200 devices within 7 days.

The QR codes contain four categories of information:

1. Basic Information: Device name, images, specifications, department ownership, manufacturer contacts
2. Operation Guidelines: Standardized workflow diagrams
3. Maintenance Protocols: Cleaning/disinfection requirements, precautions, upkeep methods
4. Service History: Loan records, repair tracking

QR code labels are laminated for durability and affixed visibly on devices. Nurses can scan codes using mobile devices to access operational manuals, maintenance checklists, and perform digital documentation of:

• Usage logs
• Shift handover verification
• Equipment inventory
• Maintenance requests

Advantages of QR Code Management

Key benefits include:

• Cost-effective replacement of paper materials
• Real-time content updates without code regeneration
• Permanent storage solution
• Instant access to multimedia training materials
• Streamlined documentation processes
• Enhanced training effectiveness through visual guides
• Improved equipment traceability

Implementation Outcomes

This initiative has:

• Increased nursing efficiency by 40% in equipment-related tasks
• Reduced training time for new staff by 35%
• Achieved 100% compliance with maintenance schedules
• Served as a model for hospital-wide digital transformation
• Enhanced staff engagement and professional satisfaction

Article republished from WeChat Public Account: YLSY Critical Care Medicine
Application of Internet+ QR Codes in Clinical Equipment Management