Allow patients to update their own information
B
BRIAN HART
BIG ASK :
Increasingly, it is important for us to have updated cell phone numbers and email addresses on our patients. It would be great if there was a user-friendly screen that patients could access to ensure their cell phone numbers and email addresses and perhaps Ohip numbers and version codes are current.
Services such as Ocean and even Avaros patient messaging required current email addresses and it is onerous for our staff to have to update changes on all patients. It would be great to have a check in Kiosk or a way to update info as part of the appointment - reminder exchange.
B
BRIAN HART
I think a tablet at or separate from the check in area is a great idea. For those proficient with their phones that is another great option. The key point is to ensure accuracy of ever-changing email addresses, cell phone numbers etc. while minimizing the administrative burden at the front desk.
There will always be patients that are less tech savvy and our staff would be more than happy to help them, as they do now.
A
Avaros Support
This is a great idea! We're experimenting with Patient Check-in options, which would include reviewing and updating your information.
Avery Gudgeon BRIAN HARThow strongly do you feel about "how" patients check-in. Does a tablet at the front-desk make sense to you more than patients checking in using their cell phones, for example?
A
Avery Gudgeon
Avaros Support I think multiple options need to be available. Not everyone has a cell phone or is good with using a cell phone for more than just making calls. (Thinking about patients who are elderly or those in lower socioeconomic groups without access). So option to have a tablet set up for someone to access once they arrive at clinic, bigger screen/font would be helpful. And option to use phone as well
A
Avery Gudgeon
Avaros Support I have emailed with you about this as I had questions about the new check in feature to roll out. I think definitely need more options than just a QR code to scan with phone. Not everyone has access to this. I have been a patient of clinics where there is a counter with a couple tablet screens embedded (with privacy) and everyone is directed to check in via the tablet, it requires health card number and name I think I recall. And gives opportunity to confirm number/ name/ email. And those who need help can then go directly to reception desk.
A
Avaros Support
Thanks, Dr. Avery Gudgeon
We're focused on the majority of patients who do have cell phones first, and will continue to update this work-flow - allow them to update their address, email and phone number; and provide appointment specific instruction functionality in our next release.
We're consciously deciding not to use check-in kiosks because they require extra equipment that can be expensive (a tablet, custom stand, and power supply). Our thinking is the subset of patients who do not have a mobile phone can continue to check-in at the front desk, while those that do are able to check-in themselves.
Mohammed
A
Avery Gudgeon
I support this. There is too much room for error when pt handwrites their email and then staff inputs. Much better if there was a way for pt to input directly. I would get a tablet in the clinic for pt to update their contact info every time they check in for example