Personal Health Record (PHR) and Tablet Sheet Label Survey of Patients

Abstract

　Ethical Drugs are labeled with GS1 barcodes. In the medical field, barcodes are used for dispensing pharmaceuticals. Since some medical institutions cut out tablet sheets for dispensing, multiple barcode indications on the tablet sheets are desired. On the other hand, many oral medicines are used by patients. In recent years, the use of PHRs has been promoted along with the informatization of medical care. Drug barcodes are expected to be used in these PHRs. However, there have been no reports directly surveying patients about barcode labeling on medicines. In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey of patients regarding the labeling of tablet sheets of oral medications. The survey results showed that the importance of the drug name and expiration date was high, but barcode labeling was low. Patients also reported low need for one barcode per tablet. Patients’ opinions should be taken into consideration when displaying barcodes for oral medications.