Self-service kiosk technology

For clinicians

The overriding benefits of check-in kiosks for clinical staff, is that it gives them time and visibility or workloads.

Receptionists have time for other duties and time to deal with patients that genuinely need help, such as the elderly or infirm or assist people that are unfamiliar with self check-in.

Nurses are not spending their time tracking down patients or checking arrivals, giving them more time for direct patient care.

With call screens, they’re not having to physically call patients through to each clinic. With appointment tracking boards, clinicians have an instant ‘at-a-glance’ view of appointments complete with details such as time, location, exam, doctor and so on. It avoids the normal paper chase.

Clinicians have a clear picture of their workload via dashboards to track patients, plan clinical workflows and properly prepare the paperwork and charts. The consultation can begin immediately.

Clinicians check their patient load via then dashboard at the start of the day and then refer to this to monitor patient arrivals and to plan for any changes such as non-arrivals.

It gives staff the tools to deliver an efficient service with seamless workflows, which improves job satisfaction and morale.

On screen calling delivers a better experience for clinical staff in terms of professionalism and confidentiality.

For management

Patient and clinical information is recorded automatically removing the need to manually collect financial, operational and clinical data for management analysis and regulatory purposes.

Similarly provides key performance indictors and other data for operational improvements.

Reception staff can be reassigned to value-added tasks.

Having up-to-date patient contact details reduces the number of missed appointments.

Increased efficiency saves money, but also presents the opportunity to book more clinics and/or appointments and so reduce waiting lists.

Kiosks provide essential aids to planning staff resources and finances.

No lost revenue, due to incomplete records, and a full audit trail.

Increased competitiveness with rival hospitals/organisations.

The technology is shown to boost the image, perception and reputation of the hospital by improving patient satisfaction.

For patients

For patients, it confirms they’re in the right place at the right time.

There’s no queuing at the reception desk.

Staff or volunteers are on hand to lend assistance.

Patient confidentiality is improved as there is no need to speak to a receptionist and so no risk of being overheard.

Self-service check-in is quicker. On average it takes 1 minute, whereas with a receptionist the check in process lasts 5-7 minutes.

Multiple language support.

Patients can check and update contact details, ensuring records are up to date.

Kiosks provide on-screen wayfinding directions to the appropriate waiting area or clinic. Printing a confirmation complete with directions is another option.

In the waiting areas, call screens keep patients fully informed of wait times and delays, reducing their frustration.

Patients are now able to go online to manage appointments, complete pre-admission questionnaires, check-in, and update their own records.