Information reference system

Abstract

An information reference system for a health care provider comprising: one or more indicia bearing cards. The indicia displays information relevant to the worker to assist them in performing their duties. Each card is configured to be attached to an identity tag worn by the health care provider such that the cards are carried by the health care provider as they perform their duties.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Innovation Patent 2005100656 filed on 15 Aug. 2005, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an information reference system for health care providers. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable reference system that can be worn on the clothing or body of a health care provider, such as a health care professional in a medical institution or a first aid officer in a work or leisure environment, in combination with an identification tag. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Health care workers, such as doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, allied health workers, and the like perform a vital function in providing a variety of health care services to the general public. Typically, such services are provided within a hospital or other private or publicly accessed buildings, where individuals tha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the reference aids are cards. The cards can be arranged to be attachable to an identification tag, being one form of an identification element, such that they are positionable substantially behind the identification tag. In this regard, the identification tag can substantially or wholly conceal the one or more cards from casual view. Such an arrangement ensures that the cards are carried by the health care provider as they perform their duties.

[0014] The one or more cards may be configured to be substantially the same size as the identification tag. In this regard, each of the cards and the identification tag can be interconnected at a common location. The identification tag and the cards can be provided with a hole at the common location to facilitate interconnection. In one form, the respective holes can have an elongate connector extending therethrough. Examples include a cord, a string, a chain or the like which interconnects the identification tag and the cards and enables the interconnected components to be worn around the neck of the worker. In another form, the hole can receive a clip which interconnects th

Problems solved by technology

Also, with the introduction of new technological advances and equipment for treating patients, it is often difficult to keep pace with the changes required in an individual's knowledge base, hence reference manuals and the like are commonly available to assist in the operation of new equipment.

However, as most nurses and the like are typically mobile throughout the hospital, it may not always be convenient to carry a reference manual with them as they do their patient rounds, and equally, to provide a centrally accessible reference library for all workers is difficult to maintain and access as books may be removed and not replaced, particularly if they are intended to service a large area of the hospital.

Individuals typically perform the first aid duty on a volunteer basis, and are generally employed to perform other duties, and as such their knowledge, and their ability to retain knowledge, in various areas of first aid is provided is typically limited.

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