Implementing barcode scanning technology is only part of the challenge. Sustaining high scanning compliance and continuously improving requires systematic quality improvement (QI) approaches.
This page signposts key tools and resources to support you. Make sure you also read our specific guidance around using quality improvement approaches for Scan4Safety in the Effective implementation section of the website.
QI tools for Scan4Safety
Several established QI tools are particularly useful for embedding and improving scanning practice. Click on the links below to find resources to support you to use each of these tools:
- PDSA cycles (Plan-Do-Study-Act) support rapid, small-scale testing before wider rollout. Use them to trial new scanning workflows, test equipment positioning, or pilot training approaches in one area before spreading across a department or site.
- Driver diagrams help map the primary and secondary factors that influence scanning compliance, identifying root causes rather than surface symptoms and ensuring improvement efforts are targeted effectively.
- Process mapping documents current and future state workflows, showing where scanning fits and where friction points exist. Involving frontline staff in mapping captures the reality of practice rather than assumptions about how things work.
- Standard work documentation provides clear, visual guidance for scanning processes, reducing variation and supporting both training and ongoing compliance monitoring. [Link to standard work template – placeholder]
Further guidance and resources
- NHS Impact website – NHS Impact support all NHS organisations, systems and providers to have the skills and techniques to deliver continuous improvement.
- Quality Improvement Essentials Toolkit – Institute for Healthcare Improvement – 10 essential quality improvement tools to help you with your improvement projects, continuous improvement, and quality management, including a PDSA worksheet.
- The Lean Transformation Framework – Lean Enterprise Institute – The Lean Transformation Framework is a proven, systematic approach to resolving problems at every level of the enterprise, from executive-level strategy to frontline operations.
- NHS Improving Quality: A Simple Guide to Improving Services – A resource providing the information you need for your first steps towards making quality improvements, giving your improvement project the best possible chance of success.