Care at End of Life - Care Alert Kit

Initiative Type
Toolkit
Status
Deliver
Added
13 August 2019
Last updated
10 October 2023

Summary

Care Alert Kits are designed to conveniently store all important healthcare documents in one location. This allows easy accessibility for anybody who may need to view hardcopy documentation, including carers, family members, substitute decision-makers, paramedics or other health professionals.

It is recommended people are encouraged to bring along or ensure access to their Care Alert Kit if being admitted to hospital, attending a General Practitioner or clinical appointment, or for use in an emergency.

The insert card provided has two design options available. One side is a design consistent with the Care at End of Life campaign; the other side features artwork by the artist Gilimbaa, from the Sad News, Sorry Business: Guidelines for caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through death and dying. Two magnets, which can be affixed to the plastic wallet, are provided for optional use. This allows the Care Alert Kit to be kept on a magnetic surface such as a refrigerator, for ease of access if required.

Key dates
Jul 2019
Implementation sites
Over 10,000 Care Alert Kits have been provided to 15 of the 16 Hospital and Health Services within Queensland, as well as to two Primary Health Networks.
Partnerships
Consumers, statewide Hospital and Health Service Representatives

Aim

To enable easy storage and accessibility of important health care documentation in one identifiable location.

Benefits

  • Enables a person to store all their important healthcare documents in one location to quickly grab and go if being admitted to hospital, attending the GP, attending a clinical appointment.
  • Encourages end of life planning to ensure wishes are met and the relevant information is available when it’s needed.
  • Promotes easy accessibility for anybody who may need to access a person’s documentation, including carers, family members, substitute decision-makers, paramedics or other health professionals.

Background

In 2018 Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS), led by Brad Peaker, launched an Advance Care Planning (ACP) folder to be provided to patients in hospitals and the community. The initiative received wonderful recognition through local and statewide media: Fraser Coast Chronicle - End-of-life choices up front with folders. With permission, the initiative was modified to become a statewide resource.

Evaluation and Results

Evaluation of the Care Alert Kit impact and sustainability will be conducted in late 2019.

Further Reading

care-alert-kit.jpg

For further information, please refer to the Care Alert Kit Factsheet.

For details on ordering, please contact the Care at End of Life Project Team at CareAtEOL@health.qld.gov.au.

Resources

Secure resources

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Key contact

Chloe Prudden
Project Support Officer
Healthcare Improvement Unit
(07) 3646 3494
CareAtEOL@health.qld.gov.au