How to use Quick Response codes for plastic surgery

Quick Response (QR) codes are simple barcodes, which can be scanned by Smartphones. The QR code can encode a link to a document, contact details etc. They are a great way of disseminating information.

1. Create a document (e.g. department guidelines or patient information leaflet)

2. Save it as a PDF and store it in a shared folder online e.g. Dropbox

3. Copy the 'public link' for the file. This is the web address of the file (URL)

4. Paste the link into a website that creates QR codes e.g. SPARQCode

5. Print the QR code and stick it up so people can scan it with their Smartphone

6. Download a QR code scanner from the app store. Search for "QR code" and a number of them will appear. Examples include i-nigma and NeoReader.

Job done.