Keywords:
eHealth, Computer applications, Management, PACS, Computer Applications-General, Socio-economic issues, Economics, Education and training
Authors:
S. Barnard, S. Jamieson, T. Popham, F. Ngwenya, R. Malto, L. Maher; Auckland/NZ
DOI:
10.26044/ranzcr2019/R-0009
Conclusion
Better communication with radiology patients can help to reduce anxiety and improve the patient experience [5]. It can also improve the efficiency of the department by reducing DNAs [6], delays, cancellations and abandoned procedures.
It is important to consider the needs and preferences of patients when designing methods of communicating with them regarding radiology procedures. is requires staff to challenge existing practices and material such as appointment letters and information leaflets. This can be achieved by innovative practices which should include co-design with the multi-disciplinary team and patients.
The new practices must also be practicable and compatible with existing IT systems. There is no value in designing a process which is not appropriate to the department IT systems without major investment or easily accessible by patients and their family. The mechanism we chose to implement avoids the use of custom smartphone apps, which patients are unlikely to download or use, and require considerable time and expense for the department to maintain for both iOS and Android.
Future steps include introducing a new IT application which will allow multiple text messages or emails to be automatically sent prior to a procedure (eg reminders to follow bowel preparation at different times prior to CT colonography) and allowing bidirectional text messaging. This will update the booking system with a confirmation of attendance from the patient. We would also like to provide messages in different languages appropriate to our patients.
This project was supported by innovation funding from Vodafone New Zealand.