Question

Discuss the benefits and limitations of using a bar code scanner in the operating room for materials management. Consider routine items and supplies that only have to be ordered on rare occasions. Who should be responsible when an item that was supposed to be ordered is not available, or when a surgery has to be cancelled?

Answer 1

# Benefits of using a barcode scanner in the operating room for materials management are :-

-  eliminate the possibility of human error

- reduces employee training time

- inexpensive to design and print

- extremely versatile

- inventory control improves

-  provide better and faster data entry

- data obtained through barcodes is available rapidly

- promote better decision making

Limitations of barcode scanner are :-

- expensive to manage

- expensive to setup

- needs a computer or POS

- system failure may cost more delay

- data must be coded in the barcode

- scratched barcode may cause problem

# The store incharge is responsible when an item was supposed to be ordered is not available because it is the duty of the store incharge to maintain the availability of all articles , equipments ,and items which are needed in a operating room for conducting the surgery . If there is any deficiency of the articles during the surgery then it will directly affect the patient's health leading to serious complications . To avoid this , availability of all articles before the conduction of surgery has to be done by the accountable person .