Patient engagement and feasibility of a QR code-based digital information tool in the emergency department

Patients frequently seek guidance on non-urgent administrative and informational needs, such as sick notes, finding a family physician, and pharmacy access, during emergency department (ED) visits. Limited primary care availability contributes to these inquiries and may increase communication demands on clinical staff. This project aimed to assess the feasibility and patient engagement of a low-cost digital intervention using quick response (QR) codes.

We conducted a prospective observational quality improvement study from June to December 2025 in a community ED. Twenty informational posters, containing four scannable QR codes, were placed in high-visibility public areas. Each QR code linked to a mobile-friendly resource: a virtual sick note, a tool to find a family doctor, directions to the nearest 24-hour pharmacy, and directions to the nearest pharmacy. Automated scan analytics were used to assess patient engagement and feasibility, defined by sustained use over time and absence of technical or workflow disruptions.

During the 6-month study period, the four QR codes were scanned 1,895 times. The virtual sick note (43.2%) and find a family doctor tool (30.3%) were the most frequently accessed resources, followed by the 24-hour pharmacy (20.4%) and local pharmacy (6.1%). Scan activity occurred daily throughout the study period, with no reported technical issues or disruptions to clinical workflow.

QR code-based informational posters demonstrated consistent patient engagement and addressed common non-urgent informational needs without increasing staff workload. This low-cost, easily scalable digital tool was feasible to implement within routine ED operations and may support future patient-directed digital self-service initiatives.