A groundbreaking digital resource developed by researchers at Edinburgh Napier University is set to reduce diagnostic errors and improve communication between patients and clinicians. The online tool, named 'What Colour Is It?', provides a standardised palette for describing the colour of bodily fluids such as sputum, urine, and faeces.
How the Colour Card Tool Works
Modelled on a simple paint colour card, the tool presents healthcare professionals with a selection of 13 to 15 clinically relevant shades for different fluids. Each shade is assigned a unique hex code, similar to those used in web design, ensuring that descriptions are consistent and unambiguous when recorded in a patient's notes.
This move away from subjective descriptions like 'dark yellow' or 'rusty brown' aims to eliminate guesswork. The initiative, launched four weeks ago, is already in use by approximately 225 healthcare professionals across various countries and medical specialisms, indicating rapid early adoption.
Overcoming Communication Barriers
A key benefit of the tool is its ability to bridge significant communication gaps. It offers a simple, visual method for patients who may struggle to describe symptoms verbally.
This includes individuals with language difficulties, young children, or those living with conditions such as aphasia. The resource also proves invaluable for remote consultations, where a physical examination is not possible, allowing patients to accurately match and report what they see.
The Impact on Patient Care and Safety
The ultimate goal of this innovation is to enhance patient outcomes. By enabling faster and more precise colour documentation, the tool supports clinicians in making quicker, more accurate diagnoses.
This standardisation is expected to lead to better-targeted treatments, improved patient safety, and more efficient use of healthcare resources. The team behind the project has high hopes for its widespread adoption across the NHS and global health services, believing its simplicity is its greatest strength.
With its straightforward design and powerful application, this 'simple' colour card represents a significant step forward in medical technology and patient-centred care.
