We are excited to introduce two new resources aimed at empowering the VEDS community and educating healthcare providers. These tools can significantly improve the quality of care you receive.
1) Hospital Sign for VEDS Inpatients
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A crucial tool for our VEDS community members during hospital stays. This sign will alert healthcare workers about the VEDS diagnosis and provide essential points for inpatient care.
Why Use the Hospital Sign?
- Instant Alert: Provides immediate awareness of VEDS, reducing risk of mismanagement.
- Critical Points: Summarizes essential care guidelines to follow during your hospital stay.
- Safety: Helps ensure that everyone interacting with you understands the need for specialized care.
How to Use the Hospital Sign:
- Placement: Hang the sign at a visible location in your hospital room such as the patient information board/whiteboard, and if allowed, on the outside of the door to your room.
- Inform Staff: Upon admission, tell the medical staff about the sign and its importance.
- Reinforce: Verbally communicate the information on the sign during staff shift changes.
2) Infocard for Physicians | Download
A dual-purpose card featuring a QR code that directs physicians to our free CME program and provides clear, concise VEDS information on the flip side with a QR code to obtain additional information from The VEDS Movement website. You can print this and bring it to your physicians. Printed cards will also be available at upcoming symposiums and walks.
Why Use the Infocard?
- Education: Directs physicians to a free CME program about VEDS.
- Quick Reference: Offers immediate access to key VEDS information.
- Convenience: Fits in a wallet or pocket, making it easy to carry and share.
How to Use the Infocard:
- Initial Visit: Present the card to your primary care physician or specialist during your first meeting. Encourage them to also share it with Emergency Department (ED) providers at their institution.
- QR Code: Encourage the physician to scan the QR code to access the CME program.
- Follow-Up: During subsequent visits, ask if they found the CME program and information useful and if they shared it with colleagues in the ED.
General Tips for Introducing New Resources:
- Timing: Choose an appropriate time to introduce these resources, such as during check-in or initial consultation.
- Explanation: Briefly explain the purpose and utility of these tools.
- Recap: After you’ve used these tools, ask your doctors and nurses what they think. This will help you know if the resources are helpful and what changes might need to be made. Send feedback to rrodarmer@thevedsmovement.org!
By actively using and promoting these resources, you play an important role in improving VEDS care and education. Your efforts can help ensure that both you and your healthcare providers are well-informed and prepared for the unique challenges posed by VEDS.
