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A Goldsmiths, University of London professor has developed a groundbreaking QR code system, MiCode, designed to revolutionise emergency medical care and mental health support for students.
The brainchild of Professor James Ohene-Djan, Professor of Computer Science at Goldsmiths University, MiCode allows students to securely store and instantly share vital medical information, potentially saving lives in critical situations and ensuring appropriate care during mental health crises.
“Born from our family’s own experiences with complex medical needs, MiCode empowers students and equips university staff, the emergency services, and caregivers with crucial information,” explains Professor Ohene-Djan. “We believe it can be a game-changer, particularly for students navigating their health independently. MiCode can reduce response times, lead to more accurate diagnoses, and ultimately improve student outcomes.”
The launch of MiCode addresses a significant vulnerability. Key Findings from the MiCode Study reveal that over half (56%) of UK adults do not carry their own emergency medical information, and 54% are unsure even of their own blood type.* This widespread lack of preparedness is further compounded by significant knowledge gaps regarding loved ones’ health, with 63% not knowing their loved ones’ allergies, 77% unaware of their blood types, 56% uninformed about their current medications, and 61% lacking knowledge of their medical conditions.
Students, often managing health conditions independently for the first time, are particularly at risk. MiCode empowers them to create secure digital profiles containing crucial medical details, including allergies, conditions, medications, blood type, and emergency contacts. This information is linked to a unique QR code easily displayed on a phone, medical bracelet, or wallet card, enabling immediate access for first responders.
The importance of readily accessible medical information is amplified by the prevalence of mental health challenges among students. A House of Commons Library briefing (September 9, 2024) highlighted this issue, revealing that 57% of students self-report a mental health issue, with 27% reporting a diagnosed condition.
“These statistics underscore a critical vulnerability,” states Professor Ohene-Djan. “Access to students’ vital medical information, including mental health details, can be the difference between life and death. For a student experiencing a panic attack, MiCode can instantly provide first responders with information about their anxiety disorder, prescribed medications, and emergency contact details, enabling a more informed and compassionate response. If a student with a history of depression is found unresponsive, MiCode can alert paramedics to potential underlying mental health conditions, preventing misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. MiCode offers a simple yet powerful solution.”
The MiCode Study also found that on average, it takes 7.1 minutes to access emergency medical information, totaling over 71 minutes wasted per week**. 42% of emergency workers report it can take up to 10 minutes to access vital emergency information, with delays sometimes exceeding 20 minutes. This highlights the critical need for immediate access to vital information in emergency situations.
