Turn Your Smartphone into a Barcode Scanner

Imagine a cohort of one hundred learners, each practicing the "rights" of medication administration with barcode scanning—without your program buying a single handheld scanner. That is exactly what the new EdEHR mobile app unlocks.

We will showcase the app at IMSH 2025, and before the end of January you will be able to try it yourself. The experience builds on our April 2024 enhancements that bridge theory and practice for med admin training. Previously we recommended low-cost USB scanners (≈ $50 each). Now every student can use their own smartphone while we continue to prioritize privacy—no personal data is stored in the app. Students simply scan a one-time QR code to link their device to the lab station and begin scanning patient IDs, medications, or lab specimens.

Revised equipment list

• Any smartphone running the free EdEHR app
• Candy or other stand-ins for medications (≈ $10)
• Containers for "medications" (≈ $2 at the dollar store)
• A printer, scissors, and glue stick for labels
• EdEHR with barcode workflows enabled

Why it matters

Barcode med admin is an essential part of safe practice, yet access to scanners is often a bottleneck. With the EdEHR mobile app, every student can rehearse the full workflow—from scanning the patient wristband to documenting the dose—while you monitor performance and coach critical thinking.

Have ideas for refining the app or want an early walkthrough? Email the EdEHR team and we will be happy to connect.