QR codes used to improve patient travel experience

A trial program is using QR code armbands to help support rural patients who have been flown to a major hospital outside the region for emergency treatment.

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath said the innovative program had been devised by the Central West Hospital and Health Service and could be used in other rural areas if successful.

“The armbands being trialed as part of this program provide information which can be scanned and used by staff at a receiving hospital to help make appropriate arrangements to return patients to their home locations,” she said.

“Return journey details are important in discharge plans so that rural and remote patients get home safely and as quickly as travel options allow.

“Around 500 patients a year are aeromedically retrieved from the Central West each year for emergency treatment at a larger hospital.

“These patients are sent far away from home, family, friends and support networks to a major centre with which they may be unfamiliar.

“Because they were retrieved as an emergency, they may not have their phones, or even their wallets with them.

“This trial aims to ensure appropriate arrangements are being made for them to return home after their treatment is completed.’’

Ms D’Ath said the armbands being used in the trial are similar to those worn at festivals and include a QR code and the text: “Do not remove. Please plan my discharge. I am from rural and remote Queensland”.

“The wording is designed to lead to a conversation between the patient and staff at the treating hospital about where the patient is from and what their discharge requirements might be,’’ Ms D’Ath said.

“The armband includes a QR code that can be scanned by anyone with a mobile device.

“When scanned, the QR code connects to a document with information about where the patient is from, who they can ask for help, a map of the Central West Hospital and Health Service and a phone list of Central West health facilities.

“So far, the feedback on the program has been very positive.’’

Ms D’Ath said the armband program was a highly innovative solution to an ongoing issue with appropriate repatriation of patients medically retrieved from rural and remote locations.

“No other hospital and health services are using this program and if it’s successful in the Central West, it’s likely to be adopted in other HHSs where patients are retrieved from rural and remote locations.” 

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