Efficiency and resource optimisation

The collaboration with KeyForCare has introduced an efficient system of gathering essential patient information. Patients can now be sent questionnaires on their smartphones, allowing them to provide information about their health and social habits ahead of their consultation. This data seamlessly integrates into the hospital system, ensuring that clinicians are prepared for the assessment.

As Mr Parsons says, this system is a game-changer, as it allows patients to bypass unnecessary in-person assessments, saving both time and resources. This streamlined process benefits patients and the healthcare system.

Patient-initiated follow-up:  a new paradigm

One of the ground-breaking aspects of this collaboration is patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU). In the NHS, traditional follow-up clinics consume significant resources, often without patients needing to be physically present. With KeyForCare, patients can easily provide information about their recovery through post-operative questionnaires. These questionnaires assess symptoms, pain levels and wound condition (even allowing patients to share photographs of their wounds). This data means clinicians can efficiently monitor infection rates, identify patients in need of intervention, and, most importantly, prevent the unnecessary return of patients who are recovering well. The impact of this patient-initiated follow-up on both patient care and healthcare-cost reduction could be profound.

Balancing clinical and commercial considerations

When asked if commercial considerations played a role in this collaboration, Mr Parsons explains that what’s best for patients can also benefit the NHS trust financially. Patients who are recovering well after surgery may not want, or need, to visit the hospital for a simple check-up. A virtual consultation serves their needs better. This approach aligns with the financial considerations of the NHS, where cost savings are a priority. By reducing the need for in-person visits and optimising the patient journey, both clinical and commercial goals are achieved.

A comprehensive patient journey

EIDO Healthcare’s approach to KeyForCare goes beyond dividing it into separate PREM and PROM components. Instead, we view it as an integrated solution for the entire patient journey. This journey encompasses not only pre-procedure and post-procedure assessments, but also patient satisfaction and experiences. The versatility of the platform extends to pre-assessment and more.

EIDO Healthcare’s vision is to streamline the patient journey by leveraging technology, ensuring that patients only need to be physically present for essential medical procedures. In the long term, this approach can lead to virtual wards, quicker discharges, and remote patient monitoring.

Scalability across healthcare

One of the most promising aspects of this collaboration is its scalability. EIDO Healthcare and KeyForCare designed the solution to be adaptable not only within the NHS but also across the private sector. The implementation process is streamlined, and minimal integration requirements make it an attractive option for healthcare providers looking to enhance their patient journeys. As Mr Parson’s points out:

‘It’s something that can be used across the NHS and indeed, in the private sector as well. It doesn’t need a great deal of integration and the more minimal the integration the quicker it is to get off the ground.’