New digital check-in aims to cut A&E waiting times

A new digital check-in system aimed at cutting A&E waiting times is being rolled out across a number of London hospitals.

Patients will be able to scan a QR code on their phone and answer questions about their symptoms, personal details and condition before seeing medical staff.

The information means potentially serious cases can be identified more quickly and helps staff prioritise patients according to need.

The system is now operating at at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow and will be introduced at Ealing Hospital in October before being rolled out to Chelsea and Westminster, St Mary's, West Middlesex and Hillingdon hospitals.

The questionnaire asks patients to identify the area of the body affected and answer a series of follow-up questions, including checks for symptoms that could indicate a more urgent condition.

Once completed, the details are added to the hospital's electronic system, meaning triage nurses can review the information before calling patients in for assessment.

The service was developed by tech company Streamwave.

Dr Chris Nordstrom, an A&E consultant at Northwick Park Hospital, said feedback had so far been "absolutely brilliant".

"I think improving that first initial contact time for patients is crucial. They were waiting for sometimes 30-40 minutes just to book in and then another way to see the triage nurse," he said.

"By using the digital check-in what we managed to do is eliminate that.

"Patients are booking in in a matter of two to three minutes, doing a quick self triage which means that their overall time spent in the emergency department is significantly less."

The digital check-in also aims to improve privacy by removing the need for patients to discuss their symptoms at a reception desk, as well as reducing administrative work for staff.

Reception staff remain available for patients who cannot to use the digital system.

"We're seeing about two-thirds of patients using it. The ones who are using it are really enjoying it," Nordstorm added.

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