The Visual Identification Concept consists of a series of pictograms (small drawings) measuring 1" x 1", designed for rapidly identifying the needs of residents while respecting their privacy.
Pictograms are inserted in a metal slider with a locking device on each end. The slider can be installed in a horizontal or vertical position close to the resident. 1 to 8 pictograms illustrating the resident's specific needs can be put into the slider. When a nurse or nurse's aid has to move or assist a resident, he or she simply consults the pictograms which quickly supply all the required information. Thanks to this concept, it is no longer necessary to consult the nurse in charge or the medical file.
The Visual Identification Concept is not an end in itself. It is designed to complement the work of the nursing staff. It has been proven that its daily use greatly increases the quality of care as well as the relationship between caregivers and residents, and that it also reduces the incidence of accidents in the work place. If those in charge of the project properly explain the Concept to the caregivers and succeed in generating enough enthusiasm, the caregivers will readily adopt it as a matter of personal conviction. What a positive achievement for all those concerned!
The pictograms have been divided into twelve (12) categories (Transfer - Mobility - Bed position - Emergency evacuation - Restraint - Continence - Hygiene - Dressing - Nutrition - Communication - Medical and behavioral references - Specific needs) to assist you in making a better choice and allow you to determine which categories you want to include in your project. Not all categories have to be used. One can decide to start with three or four categories when the project is first implemented, and add others in the months to follow.
What about "Confidentiality of Information"?
Confidentiality of information is a subject which has been met with a lot of controversy. Laws prohibiting the disclosure of information so as to safeguard the confidentiality of medical files certainly do not take into account some of the problems experienced by today's nursing staff. All caregivers would like to find ways of improving the quality of care while respecting the privacy of residents. But how can this be done if visual means are rejected? Our pictograms never reveal the diseases from which the residents may suffer. They are coded, and only the persons working with them know their significance. With the exception of the caregivers, who else would even be interested in them?
Getting family members and independent residents to sign an agreement form is an excellent means of confirming your choice and also provides an opportunity to explain the reasons for adopting the Concept to the families and to the residents themselves. Except in very rare cases, all families readily accept a pictogram concept aimed at personalizing the care given to their relative.
What would this Concept bring to your nursing staff and your residents?
- A fast and easy way to provide better quality care
- Health and Security at Work
- An emergency Evacuation System
- A measure of the Efficiency of the Nursing Staff
- Programs to Maintain or Increase the Independence of the Resident (four colors of pictograms for different capabilities)
