Poole Hospital has launched a new mobile check-in app to allow visiting outpatients to check in for a scheduled appointment using an app on their smartphone or tablet when they arrive.
The initiative is part of a range of measures to support infection control practices aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Using the Intouch Mobile Appointment Manager from Intouch with Health, not only can patients check in, they will also receive an alert through the app 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 the app will play a key role in helping the trust manage infection control and social distancing measures during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
She explained: “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 / their cars etc. 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.”
As part of the project, the Trust has upgraded to Version 7 of Intouch with Health’s operating software, which has seen the relaunch of Intouch’s Flow Manager, patient Calling and patient self- Check-in solutions at the Poole Hospital site.
Michele Roberts added: “This suite of modules combined with mobile check in enables the Trust to deliver the most efficient and effective outpatient experience for our patients, clinicians and staff alike. “The project was managed efficiently and effectively by the Intouch team with whom we have built an excellent professional working relationship, which in turn provides excellent services to our patients and staff.”
Kevin Fletcher, COO at Intouch with Health, said: “We are delighted to be able to support The University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (Poole Hospital site) in improving the hospital experience for outpatients using Intouch Mobile, 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 for the ‘Intouch Mobile Appointment Manager’ in both the App Store and the Google Play Store. Poole Hospital is part of the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.
