Using quick response codes to access digital health resources in the general practice waiting room

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Communication
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Quick response (QR) codes are prevalent communication tools.
• Their application for linking to health information in general practice waiting areas remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of QR codes for accessing online health information in general practice waiting areas.
• To explore patient and visitor experiences and identify factors influencing QR code engagement.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study combining quantitative QR scan data and qualitative semi-structured interviews.
• Technology Acceptance Model guided interview questions.
• Thematic analysis of qualitative data and descriptive analysis of quantitative data.

Main Results:

• 263 QR scans recorded; 12 participants interviewed.
• Identified 11 themes: 6 facilitators (e.g., anonymity, convenience, COVID-19 familiarity) and 5 barriers (e.g., QR code size/location, wait times, digital literacy).
• Motivations included boredom and curiosity.

Conclusions:

• QR codes present a convenient method for delivering health information in general practice waiting areas.
• Findings suggest QR codes are a viable tool for sharing health information in these settings.
• Identified facilitators and barriers can inform optimized implementation strategies for enhanced engagement.