A research team at the IWK Health Centre is evaluating a novel digital tool designed to assist patients navigating the high-pressure environment of an emergency department. The tool, referred to as “ED Patch,” stands for Emergency Department Patient Activated Transition to Care at Home.
According to a recent announcement, the ED Patch was specifically engineered to empower patients and their caregivers to actively document their experiences during their visit. Utilizing a smartphone or tablet, individuals can record essential information regarding their emergency care, including details about their symptoms, diagnostic tests, and procedures.
Once the documentation is completed, a healthcare provider reviews the summary to ensure accuracy. This information is then emailed to the patient or caregiver, providing them with a convenient record of their visit that can be referenced later with medical professionals at home.
The IWK Health Centre highlights that the rapid pace typical of emergency care often makes it difficult for patients and families to retain information about discussions or actions required post-discharge. The ED Patch seeks to address this issue by enhancing memory retention for patients and their caregivers.
Initial feedback from users indicates that both patients and caregivers appreciate the enhanced clarity and sense of control offered by this digital tool. As the evaluation progresses, researchers aim to determine the overall effectiveness of the ED Patch in improving patient outcomes in emergency settings.
