QR Coding Application Uptake by Individuals with Communication Challenges, Caregivers, and First Responders

In emergency situations, individuals with communication challenges and first responders often experience communication barriers. A Quick Response (QR) code mobile application could bridges these barriers and lead to safe, trauma informed care. Individuals upload emergency medical information and contact information to the QR code mobile application. In turn, first responders scan the QR code with mobile devices to access information. A program development project educated first responders and the community regarding the QR code. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project sought to increase the use of a QR coding application by first responders and individuals with communication challenges or caregivers. The goal was to assist first responders to meet recommendations for assisting individuals with communication challenges in emergency preparedness. Following the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model, this project used a narrated education presentation for first responders, a Beginning of Implementation Survey, an End of Implementation Survey, a community awareness brochure, and reports from a QR code company. Data included education presentation completions, survey completions, Likert style questions and descriptive data from surveys, community organization feedback, and reports from the QR code company. This project addresses recommendations, guidelines and benchmarks set by Healthy People 2020, North Carolina Institute of Medicine [NCIOM] 2030, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA], Institute for Healthcare Improvement [IHI], and Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] for assisting individuals with communication challenges in emergencies or natural disasters