Current variations in the use of color-coded "alert" wristbands may cause confusion among caregivers, staff, and patients and can lead to patient harm. The Minnesota Hospital Association recommends that all hospitals work toward reducing reliance on and eventually eliminating the use of color wristbands by collectively developing more effective ways to communicate emergency information and patient risks.

Following are resources for hospital staff to use in helping educate their caregivers about important policy changes in the use of wristbands.

• Wristband Implementation toolkit: [PDF]
• PowerPoint Presentation with talking points: [PPT]
• Sample Wristband Policy: [DOC]

For more information contact Julie Apold, MHA director of patient safety, at (651) 603-3538.