Due to the high level of automation in hospitals, a readable barcode on a product’s unit-of-use has become fundamental to safe medication management as well as the traceability of a supplier’s product.

Through ongoing national advocacy and more stringent product evaluation practices, 96% (130 of the 136) of injectable samples evaluated as part of HealthPRO’s 2019 Oncology RFP had a barcode on the unit-of-use, an increase of more than 10% from the 2015 and 2016 RFPs.

An improvement in the number of unit dose samples as well as the presence of barcodes on the individual blisters of unit dose packaging was also realized.  The percentage of barcodes on unit dose samples grew to 57% (34/60) compared to only 9% (2/22) in the 2015 and 2016 contract cycles.

“HealthPRO has been promoting the adoption of barcodes by suppliers on the unit-of-use for the last several years,” says Christine Donaldson, Vice President, Pharmacy Services, HealthPRO. “We are pleased to see such significant progress across a number of product categories as a result of these efforts and the changes in our evaluation practices.”

Nancy Giovinazzo
Senior Clinical Director, Pharmacy Services
ngiovinazzo@healthprocanada.com
905-568-3478 ext. 269