Medical Alert Cards for Patients with Antegrade Continence Enemas (ACEs): A Useful Tool to Increase Awareness

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure, a surgical intervention creating colonic access, demands a physician’s nuanced understanding of the procedure, channel type, tubes utilized, and regimen. This study introduces an instrument to enhance healthcare providers' and caregivers’ familiarity with ACE procedures. Methods Medical Alert Cards encompassed (1) contact details, (2) ACE-related information, (3) emergency referral indications, and (4) patient-specific data. A single-institution survey appraising the cards’ efficacy was disseminated among providers and caregivers. Results Among 17 providers, the majority (65%) being attendings, 94% affirmed the cards’ utility in elucidating individual patient features. Content coherence was acknowledged by providers (88%) and caregivers (100%), with a readability score of 8 (IQR 7–10). The layout was approved by 88% of respondents, and 55% stated that the cards would inform their personalized management approach. Providers appreciated the clarity of contact details (94%) finding it advantageous for patient referral (18%). Proposed enhancements encompassed adding tube-related information, readability improvement, and visual presentation of the channel. Of the 2 caregivers, all reported their intention to carry the physical card for presentation at medical facilities. Conclusions Medical Alert Cards can increase healthcare providers’ and caregivers’ understanding of ACE procedures, facilitating management, and ensuring patient referral to specialized centers.