Emergency Healthcare Record (EHR) Card- pilot project
What is an EHR card? This is a wallet sized card which contains the most important information about a person to help communication in a health emergency with a paramedic or in the hospital emergency department. It also helps the card-holder to request an interpreter if speaking in English is difficult. Cards are available in blue or purple. Click on the link to see: Emergency card.pdf
Why is it useful? In some emergency situations it can be challenging for a person to communicate their personal details and health needs due to:
- language differences
- communication/speech disorders
- memory difficulties
- stress/anxiety
Why is it needed? When a person is not given a means of communicating their own health information it
can lead to a number of adverse outcomes such as:
For Patients…
– stress when utilising health services
– dissatisfaction with services
– poorer health outcomes
– ineffective self-treatment
– delay in seeking medical help
For Health Services…
– inappropriate treatment choices
– service disengagement
– increased costs
– reduced staff confidence
The EHR card is currently being piloted for use in specific health settings in County Cork and is publicly accessible in a variety of community settings. Please see map below.
How can you get involved?
Patients: To get a card email the project coordinator leahm.bentham@hse.ie your request and a card will be sent to you with instructions explaining how to complete the card. Alternatively you may refer to the EHR card map to find a local community setting near you where you can pick up a card. Click on Map: EHR Card- Publicly Accessible Locations
Health Services: To participate in this project please email expressions of interest to the project coordinator, leahm.bentham@hse.ie.
Resources can be downloaded from the links below.
EHR Infograph Leaflets in Multiple Languages
EHR Posters in Multiple Languages
Supporting notes and glossary for organisations participating in the EHR card initiative. Click on: Notes for Organisations Supporting EHR Initiative
