NHS urged to rollout QR 'trauma cards' after trial

The NHS should introduce pocket-sized cards listing patients' traumas to help "empower" survivors when they seek health care, a patient champion group said.

Healthwatch England said the cards, with a QR code on them, could discreetly alert health workers that they were caring for someone who has experienced trauma, and detail how to effectively look after them.

A trial in Essex found the cards were a "helpful tool" for patients, Healthwatch said, as it called for a national pilot.

Chief executive Louise Ansari said the experiences of vulnerable patients could be improved by a national rollout of the scheme.

The cards were designed to be handed to a healthcare professional when a holder was in a "triggering" situation.

They had a QR code that, when scanned, provided more information to the healthcare professional about what the individual was experiencing and how best to help.

One patient, who used the card during the pilot, said: "I find it very helpful - because of the anxiety I just shut down and can't talk.

"Knowing I've got the card means I'm less likely to be triggered. It's like that comfort blanket. It takes that stress off you."

Healthwatch England said there was "significant uptake" during the pilot scheme in Essex, with 15,000 cards distributed.

The patient body said it showed the cards had "huge potential" to improve health experiences for trauma survivors across the country.

Its survey of 3,571 adults found 18% of respondents who have experienced trauma said they "very often" or "fairly often" avoid services because of their distress.

Ms Ansari said: "When people avoid healthcare, their condition can deteriorate and their illness can last longer.

"But for vulnerable people, including those who have trauma, avoiding healthcare can lead to even greater impacts.

"The pilot project in Essex has shown trauma cards can improve experiences for people using health and care services, empowering them and facilitating communication with healthcare staff."

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