BS ISO 18668-4:2017

Overview

BS ISO 18668-4:2017 is a crucial standard within the realm of health care technology, specifically focusing on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This standard provides a comprehensive coding system for Chinese medicines, particularly for granule forms of individual medicinals used in prescriptions. The standard aims to facilitate accurate communication and documentation in the prescription of TCM, ensuring that practitioners and patients can effectively understand and utilise these medicinal products.

Key Requirements

The standard outlines essential requirements for the coding of granule forms of individual Chinese medicinals. Key aspects include:

• Standardised Coding: Establishes a uniform coding system to identify individual medicinal products, enhancing clarity and consistency in prescriptions.
• Granule Form Specification: Focuses specifically on granule forms, which are increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use.
• Integration with Existing Systems: Provides guidelines for integrating the coding system into existing health care documentation and prescription systems.

Implementation Benefits

Implementing BS ISO 18668-4:2017 offers numerous benefits for healthcare providers, practitioners, and patients:

• Enhanced Communication: The standard promotes clear communication between practitioners and patients, reducing the risk of errors in prescriptions.
• Improved Patient Safety: By standardising the coding of granule forms, the potential for misidentification of medicinal products is significantly reduced, enhancing patient safety.
• Streamlined Processes: The coding system simplifies the prescription process, allowing for quicker and more efficient patient care.

Compliance Value

Compliance with BS ISO 18668-4:2017 is essential for healthcare organisations that utilise traditional Chinese medicine. The standard not only aids in meeting regulatory requirements but also demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety in patient care. By adhering to this standard, practitioners can:

• Ensure Legal Compliance: Aligning with the standard helps organisations comply with national and international regulations regarding the use of TCM.
• Enhance Credibility: Compliance with recognised standards enhances the credibility of practitioners and organisations in the eyes of patients and regulatory bodies.
• Facilitate Research and Development: A standardised coding system supports research efforts in TCM, enabling better data collection and analysis.

In conclusion, BS ISO 18668-4:2017 is a vital standard for the effective use of traditional Chinese medicine in modern healthcare. Its implementation not only ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks but also enhances patient safety, communication, and overall care quality.