QR Codes in Healthcare
& Pharmacy in 2026
Pharmaceutical DataMatrix, digital prescription and e-leaflet: understanding the regulatory challenges, concrete use cases and security imperatives in the French healthcare ecosystem.
1The quiet revolution of QR codes in the healthcare ecosystem
Its ability to be read by any camera-equipped smartphone makes it an ideal liaison tool between the physical world and the digital universe. In the healthcare sector, this instant gateway opens up considerable possibilities.
Dynamic vs static codes in healthcare: Dynamic codes are particularly valuable in the medical context because they allow crucial information (dosages, treatment guides) to be updated in real time. They also offer tracking capabilities allowing institutions to collect anonymised data on public health campaigns or service usage.
170+
common medicines equipped with a QR e-leaflet in France
Source : ANSM / Les Numériques
2024
roll-out of digital prescriptions (Ségur-certified software)
Source : Agence du Numérique en Santé
2019
DataMatrix mandatory on all medicine boxes in the EU
Source : Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161
2025
full DataMatrix integration in pharmacies (Canada)
Source : GS1 Canada
2Securing the pharmaceutical chain: DataMatrix
To secure the supply chain and fight against falsified medicines, the pharmaceutical industry has adopted the GS1 DataMatrix — a two-dimensional code distinct from the standard QR code, chosen for its high data density and robustness (ECC200 error correction algorithm).
Regulation (EU) 2016/161 — In force since 9 February 2019
Obligation to affix a GS1 DataMatrix code on all prescription medicine boxes in the European Union. This code contains:
- Contains 4 items: product code (GTIN), lot number, expiration date, unique serial number
- Unit serialisation allows the authenticity of each medicine to be verified at the point of dispensing
- Verified against the European Medicines Verification System (EMVS) managed by EMVO
- The serial number is deactivated after dispensing, preventing reuse
International context: The United States (DSCSA), Brazil, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have implemented similar systems. The universal objective: guarantee full traceability from factory to patient, to prevent falsified medicines and facilitate targeted, rapid batch recalls.
3Dematerialisation of medical information
E-leaflet (Digital Package Insert)
Led by the ANSM since October, a QR code is affixed to boxes of 170 common medicines (paracetamol, etc.) and 400+ hospital medicines. The patient accesses the digital version of the leaflet.
Drastic reduction in paper consumption
Instant updates without batch recalls
Enriched format: videos, interactive diagrams, accessibility options
Text enlargement and voice reading for elderly patients
Digital Prescription
The doctor generates a paper prescription with a QR code containing a unique prescription number. The prescription is uploaded to a secure server of the Health Insurance system (Ségur-certified software).
Complete traceability and reduced fraud risk
Elimination of errors from illegible handwriting
Secure pharmacist access with notification of dispensed products
Accessible to the patient in their Mon Espace Santé account
4Improving care & hospital management
The impact of QR codes extends across the entire care pathway. They become versatile tools for improving safety, efficiency and the patient experience.
Patient identification
Wristband or patient file with QR code: immediate access to identity, medical history, allergies and treatments. Reduction of medication administration errors.
Medication adherence
Mobile apps (e.g. Medissimo) using QR codes to record medication intake, send automatic reminders and generate reports for the doctor.
Emergency medical record
Devices such as ID1: QR code on a sticker/card allowing emergency services (paramedics, firefighters) to instantly access chronic conditions, allergies and emergency contacts.
Hospital operations
Medical equipment with QR code giving access to manuals, troubleshooting guides and video tutorials. Staff management via QR badges and telemedicine appointment booking.
5Critical security & privacy challenges
The widespread integration of QR codes in the healthcare pathway raises fundamental questions of data security and privacy. The ease of use that makes the QR code powerful is also its main vulnerability if not rigorously controlled.
🔒 QRishing (QR code phishing)
Malicious QR codes can redirect to fraudulent sites mimicking legitimate health portals or be stuck over legitimate codes in waiting rooms.
Strong authentication, user training, URL verification before validation, use of secure scanning apps.
🔒 Unauthorised access to the Electronic Patient Record (EPR)
Health data is sensitive data under GDPR. The data protection authority has reprimanded several establishments for failures in securing access.
Strong authentication, need-to-know principle, access traceability in an audit log, break glass procedures rigorously audited.
🔒 Unwanted actions triggered by a QR code
A malicious code can trigger the sending of an SMS or email, the addition of a malicious contact or the download of malware onto a smartphone.
Pre-scan QR codes in a sandbox environment, institutional multi-layer security policy, regular staff awareness training.
6Towards a connected & secure healthcare ecosystem
The QR code has established itself as an indispensable transitional technology in healthcare and pharmacy. From securing the medicine supply chain with the DataMatrix standard to improving the patient experience via digital leaflets and prescriptions, its applications are profoundly transforming professional practices.
The success of this digital transformation rests on a fundamental triptych:
Robust technology
GS1 standards, dynamic codes, ECC200 error correction
Secure protocols
GDPR compliance, strong authentication, audit logs
Continuous education
Professional training and patient awareness
Deploy GDPR-native QR codes in your establishment
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