Achieving JCAHO Standards
In 2003 and 2004 the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) stated its number one goal that requires hospitals "to improve the accuracy of patient identification ... using at least two patient identifiers whenever taking blood samples or administering medications or blood products."
Overwhelmingly hospitals are choosing clearly imaged, data-rich patient identification wristbands printed on laser printers to accomplish this goal.
The Challenge
A major hospital decided to comply with and exceed JCAHO's patient identification goal and, at the same time, ensure that budgets were not negatively impacted. They wanted an automatic, software-driven system to replace a manual carbonless-forms embosser and also realize a cost reduction -- all within 90 days.
The Solution
Avery Dennison developed a product combining wristbands and companion labels in one form. Layouts and proofs were submitted to enable the hospital's IS department to update the forms design software. Tests showed that all of the hospital's requirements could be achieved, and the new system was implemented within 90 days.
This system has become the "health care standard" for laser printable, barcode capable wristbands.
Benefits
As medical facilities focus more attention on patient safety initiatives, helping caregivers properly identify their patients is key. In addition hospitals benefit from:
- Improved patient safety.
- Significantly reduced medical errors.
- More durable patient identification.
- Lower costs for labels and wristband materials.
- Simplified printer requirements.
Expanded Benefit
Working with maternity nurses, a new format was developed to extend the patient identification system to the maternity ward. The new format includes wristband labels for newborns that match both parents and include a corresponding visitor's badge.
Contact Business Media Division to discuss your custom pressure-sensitive applications at 888-220-3931.
