<p> QR-Coded Medical Alert Bracelets for Patients with Narcolepsy</p><p>Authors: Patterson, M1,2, Honig E2, Rorie K2 1Department of Pediatrics, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA, USA, 2Narcolepsy Network, North Kingstown, RI, USA</p><p>Introduction: In June 2013 Jazz Pharmaceuticals released the findings of their AWAKEN (Awareness and Knowledge of Narcolepsy) survey. This survey examined the narcolepsy knowledge of 1,000 adults, 300 primary care physicians, and 100 sleep specialists. The surprising results were that only 24% of PCPs and 62% of sleep specialists considered themselves ‘very or extremely knowledgeable’ about the disorder. Only 22% of sleep specialists were able to identify all five symptoms of the disease; the same number reported they were ‘not very or not at all comfortable’ in diagnosing narcolepsy. These results, combined with anecdotal patient reports of suboptimal emergency department (ED) medical care, prompted us to design a QR-coded medical alert bracelet to be used by first responders and ED personnel to quickly obtain up to date information on medications used and practice parameters for the treatment of narcolepsy.</p><p>Methods: A medical information page was created on Narcolepsy Network’s website (http://www.narcolepsynetwork.org/narcolepsy-911/) with links to webpages of common narcolepsy medications and a treatment review article. A QR code was generated for this information page and silicon medical alert bracelets were designed and produced. A similarly QR-coded wallet sized medical alert card was also developed and produced. </p><p>Results: At Narcolepsy Network’s Annual Conference in October 2013, 184 of the bracelets and cards were distributed to patients with narcolepsy, including doctors and nurses. The response was overwhelmingly positive for the benefit these bracelets were expected to offer. Requests for the bracelets were quickly received from patients in locations as distant as Scotland and the Netherlands. </p><p>Conclusions: The rapid communication of essential medical information is requisite in order to provide optimal medical care. This is especially urgent when dealing with a patient with a poorly understood medical condition. The use of a QR-coded medical alert bracelet provides a facile method for transmitting this information. </p>