The Global Language of Business
The Global Language of Business
Healthcare
Using the standards to increase patient safety and traceability
The patient has the right to the best care
The use of GS1 standards in healthcare increases patient safety, drives supply chain efficiency and improves drug traceability. In addition, they contribute to the transparency of processes, as well as to the reduction of medical errors.
The development of healthcare standards involves stakeholders from around the world: drug and medical device manufacturers, distributors, marketers, hospitals, software developers, local and international regulatory bodies.
Additional effects on the supply chain are:
  • Inventory reduction;
  • Improved management of expiration dates;
  • Stockpiling is prevented;
  • Ordering and invoicing efficiency is improved;
  • Faster and easier downloading;
  • Goods on consignment;
  • Improved calculation of costs per patient;
The GS1 GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) provides a unique solution for the identification of goods in healthcare. The rules for determining a new GTIN for your product can be found here.
Traceability and interoperability
GS1 ID numbers in healthcare enable transparency throughout the supply chain and patient journey. They are used to identify patients, nurses, doctors and other hospital staff, medicines, incl. unit doses and medical devices, hospital offices, hospital beds and other locations in hospital facilities in a standardized format so that the data covered is consistent.
GS1 standards are open and independent in terms of the software and technology used, and enable the sharing of vital data between the systems of different hospital facilities and organizations, thus facilitating network interoperability.
Basic GS1 IDs in Healthcare
A global connection number between the service provider and its recipient. It is used in hospital facilities to identify patients, staff and services performed in hospital processes. The GSRN can be used as an electronic “key” in service records, medical records, invoices and more.
The global location number allows unambiguous identification of any type of location involved in the processes and is a prerequisite for effective communication between participants. In healthcare, GLN numbers are used to identify hospitals, wards, hospital rooms, operating rooms, laboratories, warehouse items and more.
The Global Trade Unit Number provides a unique solution for the identification of drugs and medical devices. When linked to the item’s lot number and expiration date, it provides traceability from manufacturing to delivery to the patient.
With the Global Asset Identification Number, individual assets can be identified and relevant data can be registered about it, such as delivery details, commissioning, component details, warranties, location (for fixed assets).
Activities such as repairs, upgrades and maintenance can also be recorded against the unique identifier if an asset register is created. In hospitals, a good example is the identification of computers, pumps, trolleys, surgical instruments, etc.
A global document type identification number used to identify document types, for example a form, certificate or warranty.
Standards in healthcare
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Information materials
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Useful information
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Videos