FP8.5 - QR Coded Patient Leaflets – Transforming the Sustainability of Patient Information Delivery in the Surgical Outpatient Department

Abstract Introduction Quick Response (QR) codes are becoming ubiquitous in all aspects of life, including healthcare. In outpatient clinics, the benefits of convenience, cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability of QR codes has great potential. We identified that our trust was lacking in both electronic and hardcopy patient information leaflets for Bascom’s Procedure and Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment (EPSIT). Our aim was to create information leaflets on our trust website and link them via a QR code for easy access. Methods We audited our hardcopy information leaflets for both procedures for quality and satisfaction of information and patients were given a feedback questionnaire which specifically included a response for their preference for electronic QR code access. Results The initial feedback from 20 patients showed 85% support for QR codes. 90% found the information clear, informative and easy to understand. There was a suggestion to include diagrams in our leaflets. Conclusion We had positive feedback regarding the following: quality of information, clarity of the leaflet, and accessibility (particularly the use of QR codes). The latter reflects the younger age demographic of patients that were surveyed. We plan to prospectively audit QR coded leaflets in our outpatients. We will evaluate success through both patient and clinician feedback forms. QR coded leaflets could be implemented trust wide and even nationally, to increase sustainability in outpatients and the wider NHS, without compromising patient understanding or satisfaction.