The University Hospitals Dorset NHS FT has launched a mobile app to allow visiting outpatients to check-in for a scheduled appointment.
Upon arrival patients can use the app to check-in for their appointment at Poole Hospital; as part of infection control measures introduced by the trust.
The app also notifies the patient when their appointment is ready, allowing them to wait anywhere on site, not necessarily in the busy outpatients department.
Michele Roberts, outpatients department general manager, said: “Mobile check in will help us safely manage the flow of patients in the department at any one time, for example by giving them the ability to check-in in on arrival in the hospital vicinity, and then wait there comfortably and safely before being notified via the app when it is time to move to their clinic area for their scheduled appointment.”
“Not only does this give patients much greater convenience and flexibility to avoid busy waiting areas and choose where and how they wait for their appointment, but it also supports our infection prevention measures by, for example, reducing the number of patients inside the hospital and minimising the requirement for interaction with patients and reception staff. Patients can safely self-distance in outside waiting areas or in their cars until they are called for their appointment through the app.”
“Enabling patients to check-in on their mobiles also releases staff time to perform more qualitative interaction with patients, further improving the patient experience.”
Kevin Fletcher, COO at Intouch with Health, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Poole Hospital in improving the experience for outpatients using Mobile Appointment Manager, while at the same time supporting the trust to continue delivering its vital outpatient services amid the pandemic.”
Patients to Poole Hospital can download the app by searching ‘Intouch Mobile Appointment Manager’ in the app stores.
