ABSTRACT
Objective: The use of Quick Response (QR) codes has the potential to overcome some of the healthcare challenges we currently face, especially those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of QR codes poster in delivering patient information effectively in a Urology Outpatient department. Methods: A national online survey of Urologists was distributed, and leaflet costs were estimated. QR codes for the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) patient information leaflets were incorporated into a poster for the Urology Outpatient department. Feedback on the poster was sought from patients. Results: Overall, 108 Urologists responded to the initial survey;44% were consultants. However, 54% provided > 50% of patients with an information leaflet during face-to-face clinics prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, decreasing to 33% during COVID-19. Using departmental outgoings, a cost of (sic)3120 was calculated for printed leaflets per year normally. Rise in telephone clinics during the pandemic meant 47% of patients were provided an Internet link or asked to use Google in the clinical letter, up from 17% prior to the pandemic. In response to the QR codes poster, in a patient population, mostly male (82%) and older people(60% between 60 and 80 years of age), 40% were familiar with QR codes, 73% could access Internet and 53% used it to find information, 46% found the poster easy to use or follow and 61% found it informative. Conclusion: QR codes offer benefits, including capability for touch-free access, cost-effectiveness, potential to increase engagement and understanding, enable user-initiated learning and improve adherence. Patient perception varies with age group and smartphone access and usage.
ABSTRACT
Germany’s Covid-19 protesters and members of the far right have tried to appropriate two key historical figures associated with the German anti-Nazi resistance, Sophie Scholl (1921–1943), who distributed anti-government leaflets, and Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg (1907–1944), the mastermind of the failed coup of 20 July 1944. Neumann places these attempts in the context of the afterlives of Scholl, Stauffenberg and aspiring Hitler assassin Georg Elser (1903–1945). First, he argues that the far right’s attempt to claim Stauffenberg should not be read as a move to deny the Holocaust, nor to reject Germany’s responsibility for it, but rather to distance itself from Holocaust deniers and shift public discourses about German identity and history. Second, he argues that Covid-19 protesters have identified with Scholl because she has been considered the quintessential ‘good German’, she cannot be located on a left–right political spectrum and she represents German resistance as well as victimhood. Finally, he suggests that the success of these attempts to appropriate historical figures points to a lack of knowledge not about Nazi Germany’s victims, or about Scholl and Stauffenberg themselves, but rather about the nature of the Nazi regime.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Following Covid-19, many departments have incorporated teledentistry into practice. As new consultation methods are introduced, it's imperative that patients have as similar an experience with virtual consultations to ensure informed decision-making. This project evaluated patients' perceptions of video consultations and determined if patients seen virtually received the same standard of information by auditing compliance with sending patient information leaflets (PILs) following video consultation. METHOD: The department's PILs were used to create an inclusion list for patients requiring a PIL. A retrospective audit assessed the notes of 100 video consultations for records of if PILs were sent and by what method. The department's PILs were digitalised and a clinical mailbox introduced enabling clinicians to email patients a PIL hyperlink. The audit was repeated for 88 video consultations. Patient and staff feedback was gathered via online surveys. RESULTS: Initially, 51% of cases met the criteria requiring a PIL and 16% of patients were sent PILs. Following mailbox introduction, 53% of cases met the criteria and 94% were sent PILs, 100% via email. Patient and staff feedback was positive regarding video consultations and digital PILS. Technical difficulties were reported in 44% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Patients perceive virtual consultations to be a positive change and the introduction of a mailbox enhances video consultations in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Patient information can be standardised, via digital PILs, regardless of consultation type. As departments implement post-pandemic changes, utilisation of a mailbox can provide multiple improvements to care.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Oral Surgical Procedures , Surgery, Oral , Humans , Referral and Consultation , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Over the past year, Quick Response (QR) codes have played a significant role in our day-to-day lives in reducing the transmission and tracking the spread of COVID-19. In this article, we share our innovation utilising QR codes to replace paper information leaflets allowing patients to immediately access the required information on their own personal device. This is contactless and therefore preferred to reduce viral transmission, as well as having several other advantages. Our findings demonstrate that QR codes are a familiar, easy-to-use system and a preferred tool for delivering patient information over paper leaflets. The findings and methodology may be of benefit to other units seeking to improve their infection control in the COVID-19 era.