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Australian Journal of Primary Health Australian Journal of Primary Health Society
The issues influencing community health services and primary health care
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Using quick response codes to access digital health resources in the general practice waiting room

Elizabeth P. Hu A B * , Cassie E. McDonald https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9518-5869 C D , Yida Zhou C , Philip Jakanovski E and Phyllis Lau https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0665-6348 A F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3010, Australia.

B Austin Health, Heidelberg, Vic 3084, Australia.

C Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic 3004, Australia.

D Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3010, Australia.

E Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic 3010, Australia.

F School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia.

* Correspondence to: elizabethpeiweihu@gmail.com

Australian Journal of Primary Health 30, PY24009 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY24009
Submitted: 29 January 2024  Accepted: 3 October 2024  Published: 22 October 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)

Abstract

Background

Quick response (QR) codes are an established method of communication in today’s society. However, the role of QR codes for linking to health information in general practice waiting areas has not yet been explored.

Methods

This mixed-methods study used both quantitative data measuring QR scans and qualitative data from follow-up semi-structured interviews with visitors to two general practice waiting areas to determine access to an online health information site and their experience of using the QR code. The technology acceptance model was used to guide the interview questions. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative data were analysed thematically using an inductive approach.

Results

A total of 263 QR scans were recorded across the two sites between October 2022 and October 2023. Twelve participants were interviewed. Eleven themes were identified; six were categorised as facilitators and five were barriers to QR code engagement. Motivation for engagement included boredom and curiosity. Facilitators for engaging with the QR code included familiarity secondary to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, benefits of accessing potentially sensitive information with anonymity, convenience of revisiting later and reduced paper waste. Barriers included size and location of the QR code as a limiting factor to engagement, waiting room wait time, privacy and security concerns, and the potential to exclude those without access to technology or those with low technological literacy.

Conclusion

Using QR codes in the general practice waiting area is a convenient method of presenting health information to visitors and patients. Our findings indicate that this may be an appropriate method to share health information in waiting areas. Facilitators and barriers identified in this study may assist with optimising engagement with health information via QR codes while waiting for appointments.

Keywords: general practice, health literacy, health promotion, health services, information disseminatione, primary care, quick response codes, waiting rooms.

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