Application of a Quick Response Code as an Alternative Method to Provide Pediatric Cast Care Instructions

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Care
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Improving patient education for nonsurgical pediatric fractures is crucial.
• Traditional methods may not fully meet patient needs.
• Alternative educational tools are being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of Quick Response (QR) codes for delivering cast care instructions to pediatric patients.
• To evaluate patient and parent satisfaction with QR code use.
• To determine the impact of QR codes on the patient's overall casting experience.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involved 88 children with nonsurgical pediatric fractures.
• QR codes were embedded directly into the cast material.
• Data collected included scan frequency, user demographics, satisfaction levels, cast issues, and physician call avoidance.

Main Results:

• The QR code was scanned an average of 1.6 times by 60 participants, primarily parents (65%).
• Nearly 90% (89.9%) found the QR code useful, with 73.9% very satisfied with its convenience.
• 37 participants reported that the QR code information prevented them from contacting their physician.

Conclusions:

• QR codes offer a highly satisfactory method for patient education in nonsurgical pediatric fracture care.
• This technology demonstrates potential in reducing healthcare provider workload by minimizing unnecessary calls.
• QR codes represent a convenient and effective tool for enhancing the pediatric casting experience.