Queensland Health is trialling a program of QR code armbands involving rural patients flown to a major hospital outside their region for emergency treatment,
The armbands provide information which can be scanned and used by staff at the receiving hospital to help make appropriate arrangements to return patients to their home locations.
Minister for Health, 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.
“Return journey details are important in discharge plans so that rural and remote patients get home safely and as quickly as travel options allow,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Around 500 patients are flown from the Central West each year for emergency treatment at a larger hospital.”
She said these patients were sent far away from home, family, friends and support networks to a major centre with which they might be unfamiliar.
“Because it is an emergency, they may not have their phones, or even their wallets with them,” Ms D’Ath said.
“This trial aims to ensure appropriate arrangements are being made for them to return home after their treatment is completed.’’
She said the armbands being used in the trial were similar to those worn at festivals and included 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.”
The Minister said when scanned, the QR code connected to a document with information about where the patient was from, who they could 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.
