The kiosks notify staff of patient arrivals and direct patients to appropriate waiting areas and consultation rooms. By using them, trusts hope to reduce the administration and associated costs of traditional hospital check-ins.
Intouch with Health claims it takes as little as little as six seconds for patients to check-in using its kiosks, thanks to a combination of barcode scanners and patient appointment letters.
It says it takes a maximum of 30 seconds when patients register their arrival using personal information.
Avril Davies, head of IT services and strategic IT projects at Tameside, said: “We wanted to use the latest technology to improve services for patients.
"Most patients have already experienced this type of technology in their GP surgeries, and as a result patients of all ages see the benefits and enjoy engaging with the kiosks.”
The kiosks also provide a wayfinding facility to show patients were to go and a patient calling facility to ensure patients get to the correct place as quickly as possible.
The kiosks also integrate with existing patient administration systems so that patient records can be updated and checked for accuracy via pre-assessment questionnaires.
Gordon Lorimer, managing director of Intouch with Health, added: “The vast majority of the British public is now familiar with such touch-screen, self service technology thanks to its successful uptake in supermarkets, rail stations and airports.
“People recognise that self service equals less waiting around and a less stressful overall experience, whether they’re doing the mid-week shop or attending a hospital appointment.
Therefore, trusts that embrace self service are not only reducing their own overheads and ticking boxes relating to reduced waiting times, they’re meeting public demand and exceeding patient expectations.”
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Sarah Bruce
Quelle/Source: E-Health Insider, 14.12.2010
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