ISSUE
Many patients entering emergency
departments are unable to communicate verbally whether they have allergies or
health problems, which could affect their care.
NENA
POSITION
NENA supports the use of bracelet
and/or necklace identification that identifies allergies, health problems, and
other medical information pertinent to the treatment and care of all MedicAlert
subscribers. NENA promotes MedicAlert educational programs, and the
use of MedicAlert 24-hour toll free hot line for emergency medical information.
NENA promotes the distribution of educational material for the non-profit
Canadian MedicAlert Foundation in all emergency nursing settings.
RATIONALE
Patient safety and quality care is the
goal of emergency nursing. The use of MedicAlert helps to ensure
potential complications are minimized.
Reference
Canadian
MedicAlert Foundation. (2008).
Posted
Jan 11 2010, 09:37 PM
by
CarlsonStephanie