Home / Health / Hospital Triage Goes Digital, Cuts Wait Times
Hospital Triage Goes Digital, Cuts Wait Times
28 Aug
Summary
- Digital check-in systems significantly reduce patient waiting times.
- A&E departments see patient check-ins drop from 30-40 minutes to 2-3 minutes.
- The new system enhances patient privacy by eliminating reception desk symptom discussions.
A new digital check-in system is transforming emergency departments by drastically reducing patient waiting times.
Currently operational at Northwick Park Hospital, the system will be introduced at Ealing Hospital in October, followed by Chelsea and Westminster, St Mary's, West Middlesex, and Hillingdon hospitals. Patients use a questionnaire to identify affected body areas and potential urgent symptoms.
Developed by Streamwave, the digital check-in has been praised for its efficiency, cutting initial booking and triage times from 30-40 minutes down to 2-3 minutes. This innovation not only speeds up patient assessment but also improves privacy by removing the need for discussions at reception desks.
Approximately two-thirds of patients are utilizing the digital system, with most finding it a positive experience. Support remains available for individuals who cannot use the digital platform.
