Patient-held Continuity Pack

Version 1.0.1 · 22 September 2026 · Advocacy brief

The problem

People attending different services may need to bring letters, remember changes, explain what happened previously and track the next step. Information can be hard to find at the moment it is needed. A person should not have to reconstruct a complete history before getting something useful in place.

What the evidence supports

HSE appointment guidance recommends preparing questions, bringing medicines information, taking notes and checking the next steps [1]. HSE's medicines programme supports keeping a current list to discuss with healthcare professionals [2]. These recommendations support the ingredients of a folder kit. They do not establish that this pack prevents errors or improves clinical outcomes. No evaluation of this release has yet been carried out.

The proposal

A free, open-source set of printable and editable templates: current information, a medicines list, one sheet per appointment, a follow-up tracker and folder dividers. Start midstream: assemble a folder, add today's information, use it at the next visit, then file older letters as time allows. It is a patient support tool, not a clinical system.

Boundaries

The patient chooses whether and how to use it. It does not replace clinical records, existing care passports, professional coordination or treatment advice. Asking a clinician to check a summary means confirming the patient's understanding, not seeking sign-off. Phase one contains static files only, with no health-data collection or uploads. Completed folders stay with their owners.

The first request

Please review the blank sheet for usefulness, reading burden, accessibility and possible misunderstanding. The proposed next step is a small, optional usability pilot with no clinical outcome claim and no collection of completed health records. No partner or endorsement is implied. A timed talk, pilot plan and consent/feedback templates are available with the pack.

Sources and access

[1] HSE, Preparing for a healthcare appointment: https://www2.hse.ie/services/prepare-appointment/

[2] HSE, National Medication Safety Programme (Safermeds): https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/qps-improvement/national-medication-safety-programme-safermeds/

Sources checked 22 September 2026. Pack: https://continuity.stationarystore.ie/