We have designed a few prototypes for our project.  They are pretty well explained in the powerpoint below. Prototypes to increase transparency through education

1. Patient information Card

This informs the patient their triage level and what the levels symbolize –> gives them a better understanding of why they’re waiting, why the guy  next to them got called in first also he arrived later, and what exactly is considered emergent.

Could this open eyes to the true purpose of the ER and discourage misuse (intended or unintended)???

2. Patient Tracking Board

This is essentially the same concept that you have seen in locations like Verizon Wireless or recently renovated DMVs.  The patient, knowing their tracking number, will see it up on the screen and see that they are 4th on the list to be seen.  This will give them a relative idea of when they will be seen so that they can relax knowing they will be there for a while and not disappointed every time the nurse steps through the door to call the next patient through.  They will also see if persons who were triaged at a more sever level were place ahead of them.  This is ALREADY happening in the ER.  Patients are being ranked and seen as according to the severity of their situation… but currently they have NO IDEA when they will be seen, why others are being seen before them, or how exactly the system works.

Could the knowledge of a relative time frame serve two purposes? 1. reduce anxiety while increasing understanding 2. encourage the use of other (more appropriate) facilities that could possibly see them quicker than waiting for the 10 others on the list ahead?

3. Poster of Triage Information

This is similar to the card… essentially serves the same purpose.

and on a different note

4. Education Syllabus for High School education Adult Roles/ Heath Class

This would be directed toward educating the soon to be adults how the health care system works, how they can receive the health care they will need and in the appropriate locations, how they can help them selves, increase their understanding of OTC medicines and treatments, and make them more knowledgeable and aware of what to do in emergent situations.

Is this where the education needs to begin so that we have a more informed patient who takes responsibility for her/his health and understands the resources out there and how to use them appropriately?  Is this being taught?  And if so… where?

All input greatly appreciated