China: Improving medical device management through the use of GS1 standards

The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University has introduced new processes for the delivery, acceptance, warehousing, and billing of medical devices, greatly improving stock management.

Managing medical devices, particularly high value ones, is a core part not only of modern hospital management but of ensuring the quality and safety of services. At China’s The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, in common with all large hospital facilities, it could be a challenging process.

There was a desire to ensure staff were using devices as safely and appropriately as possible; to ensure accurate billing; and to guarantee the traceability of medical devices.