With healthcare in the media limelight and always under scrutiny, there is increasing emphasis on the need to augment services and improve the patient experience. Hospitals are utilising the latest technology to maximise the delivery of local health care. Self-service kiosks are being used to simplify basic services, like registering on arrival and picking up repeat prescriptions.
The NHS Dumfries Infirmary has recently had six digital kiosks installed to assist with the check in process. Patients can automatically check in by swiping their appointment letter over the touch screen. The kiosks allow NHS staff to ensure a streamlined process, by managing this time consuming aspect. With the kiosk technology available in a reception, the issue of privacy is also tackled, as patients do not have to verbalise their details over the desk. Graham Gault, head of IT with NHS Dumfries and Galloway, explained that the kiosks “provide a more streamlined, efficient service for patients.” (BBC, 2012)
Automated kiosks can benefit hospitals with functions such as:
- Wayfinding
- Patient check in/check out
- Patient communication
- Information points
- Digital signage
- Translation
As well as satisfying the patients, the hospitals are also hugely benefitting from the introduction of digital kiosks in the healthcare system. For example, the technology allows for accuracy of data information and reduces the risk of error. Kiosks used in the healthcare industry can also help minimise the amount of paperwork involved with each patient. A report has shown that patients and administrators spend over 110 millions hours a year on paperwork. Having kiosks reduces wasted time, allowing staff to focus on more important tasks and enabling the patient to come first.
Check out our NHS case study, which explains how Protouch introduced the queue management kiosk in Nottingham University Hospital to reduce waiting time and improve organisation.
