PURPOSE:
The importance of mobile and wireless technologies in the provision of high quality, safe and cost effective healthcare has been recognised by WHO with 70% of the population in low- or middle- income countries subscribing to mobile phones. Our Lady of Lourdes Maternity Unit, Ireland does not have an on-line presence. Midwives developed a novel approach, through the utilisation of a QR code in facilitating access to education and information to all women on a digital platform.

DISCUSSION:
A QR code is a machine- readable barcode that contains specific information. These codes offer easy access to current information sources, both in written format and video format. The videos may be recorded on mobile phones and allow for midwives to provide accurate antenatal, labour and postnatal information. Health information given via video formation may also facilitate low-literacy users, offering an alternative to written information. This information may be accessed at home, lowering the carbon footprint of travelling to the maternity unit and supporting the environment. Using QR codes also demonstrated a reduction in cost of printing and waste as updated information did not require re-printing.To ensure quality of information provided, each midwife owner of a QR code, takes responsibility to ensure an up-to date record of links, videos and written information contained within the QR code is forwarded to Midwifery Practice Development, to ensure centralised storage of all educational information. Midwives also ensure that the information contained within the QR codes is evidence based. In addition to an on-line presence, a QR code allows for information to be downloaded onto a smartphone allowing for use offline, increasing accessibility.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
N/A

KEY MESSAGE:
QR code allows women to quickly and easily access important information, reducing errors and improving convenience. Information may be downloaded onto one phone, and may be shared among many women using a single device. Poster session 4 (Group B)