Overview of Innovation: VuDo (view do) Project Quick Response (QR) Codes are 2 dimensional images made up of dots which can be scanned by smart phones or tablets with a free QR code reader app. They contain over 230 times more data than the bar codes we have become used to. This property allows us to view webpages, social media, sync with an Outlook calendar, geo-locate, email, text etc.
At Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust we are using these to improve on the patient experience and staff competence by providing short learning video clips at the point of use. Devices which have been problematic in use can now have an individual code attached in a prominent position and when scanned immediately delivers a specific video of between 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Examples of application include nebulisers and inhalers which patients can scan should they feel they need to refresh their memory on the device’s use.
An important example would be their use in easing the roll out of £1 million new state-of-the- art vital signs devices across all the wards.
The VuDo QR codes are distinguished from any other codes by embedding within a camera icon, so that trained staff will readily recognise them and what they provide. The URL within each VuDo will provide data on usage for audit purposes. VuDo works where one needs the information without the necessity to hunt for paper based material or log onto a computer.
Other uses of VuDo include staff induction; enriching posters and leaflets; interactive hospital maps; emailing engineers of device breakdowns and more. For cost conscious NHS Trusts the cost is minimal. If you have basic video equipment then all it takes is people’s time to record, edit, upload and test the video/QR code, print off and attaching the VuDo on “infection Control” friendly stickers.
Simon Potter [email protected] Faculty Educator Blended Learning & Moodle Administration Team Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust @vitalfordoctors