State-of-the-art self check-in kiosks are being installed at hospitals in Lothian as part of a pilot project.
The machines, similar to those used in airport departure lounges, will be introduced into the Western General Hospital and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
It means patients will be able to check-in for their appointment themselves, rather than wait to speak to a receptionist. They simply swipe their finger over the touch screen and input their details into the machine to register their attendance. The full process takes around 30 seconds and it is hoped it will help to improve the patient experience by streamlining the process and providing more privacy.
Martin Egan, director of e-Health at NHS Lothian, said the specially-created kiosks are completely secure and will not store sensitive patient information.
He added: “These kiosks will help NHS Lothian provide a more streamlined, efficient service for patients. It means that patients can arrive for their appointment and check themselves in. It will help to save them time and in some cases even provide more privacy because details will not have to be discussed at the desk.”
NHS Lothian has acquired four kiosks to be used in the pilot project, which will last three months. If successful, the devices, which cost around £3,000 each, could be rolled out to other facilities run by the health board.
The kiosks will sit beside reception desks in two clinics in the outpatients department of the Western General Hospital and two ultrasound clinics in radiology at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. They will link directly into NHS Lothian’s patient management system and perform tasks such as appointment check-in and change of address or other details.
Staff will be on hand initially to help patients operate the machines, but it is hoped the kiosks will soon free up time for the reception staff to support patients who need more time and attention.
