The questionnaire asks patients to identify the area of the body affected and answer a series of follow-up questions, including checks for symptoms that could indicate a more urgent condition.<\/p>\n
Once completed, the details are added to the hospital’s electronic system, meaning triage nurses can review the information before calling patients in for assessment.<\/p>\n
The service was developed by tech company Streamwave.<\/p>\n
Dr Chris Nordstrom, an A&E consultant at Northwick Park Hospital, said feedback had so far been “absolutely brilliant”.<\/p>\n
“I think improving that first initial contact time for patients is crucial. They were waiting for sometimes 30-40 minutes just to book in and then another way to see the triage nurse,” he said.<\/p>\n
“By using the digital check-in what we managed to do is eliminate that.<\/p>\n
“Patients are booking in in a matter of two to three minutes, doing a quick self triage which means that their overall time spent in the emergency department is significantly less.”<\/p>\n
The digital check-in also aims to improve privacy by removing the need for patients to discuss their symptoms at a reception desk, as well as reducing administrative work for staff.<\/p>\n
Reception staff remain available for patients who cannot to use the digital system.<\/p>\n
“We’re seeing about two-thirds of patients using it. The ones who are using it are really enjoying it,” Nordstorm added.<\/p>\n
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