Complexities and capabilities of Scan4Safety in NHS hospitals: a qualitative study of a national demonstrator site.

Lichtner, V.; Irnazarow, A.; Bush, S.; Dowding, D.; Elphick, P.; Franklin, BD.; Jani, YH.; Songhurst, M.

Complexities and capabilities of Scan4Safety in NHS hospitals: a qualitative study of a national demonstrator site.

All Authors

Lichtner, V.

Irnazarow, A.

Bush, S.

Dowding, D.

Elphick, P.

Franklin, BD.

Jani, YH.

Songhurst, M.

LTHT Author

Bush, Stephen
Elphick, Philip
Songhurst, Mark

LTHT Department

Corporate Services
Emergency Medicine
Finance

Non Medic

Project Manager - Scan for Safety

Publication Date

2026

Item Type

Journal Article

Subject

UNITED KINGDOM , QUALITATIVE RESEARCH , HOSPITALS , PATIENT SAFETY , PATIENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Data standards and barcoding technologies are implemented in hospitals to uniquely identify objects, people and locations; streamline the management of supplies and inventories; improve efficiency; reduce waste and improve patient safety and quality of care. This study examined the implementation of the Scan4Safety programme at one NHS demonstrator site to understand the hospital experience of adopting these standards, barcoding and related technologies. METHODS: Exploratory case study design, informed by information infrastructure theory, at one Scan4Safety demonstrator site. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with internal and external stakeholders (n=19), and 67 documents related to the Scan4Safety programme were identified. Interview transcripts and documents underwent thematic analysis. RESULTS: Key enablers for Scan4Safety included allocated funding, government role/regulation, executive buy-in/wide stakeholder involvement, patient focus, agile/adaptive approach and data linkage. Challenges were both internal and external, mainly pertaining to data quality, work-as-done and trade-offs. Mechanisms of anticipated positive outcomes and potential risks were also identified. DISCUSSION: Scan4Safety benefits are delivered through tracking and tracing capabilities, and automating data capture, alerts and data linkages. For traceability of devices, the benefits depend on the extent to which items are tracked in inventory and consistent barcode scanning at the point of care. CONCLUSIONS: Linked standards for identification of patients, products, places and procedures, across supplies and hospital processes, constitute a wide-ranging information infrastructure with the potential for significant value to patients and the whole health system. Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ Group.