Keywords
Citation
(2012), "Scotland - Scotland to extend patient reminder service", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 25 No. 8. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2012.06225haa.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Scotland - Scotland to extend patient reminder service
Article Type: News and views From: International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Volume 25, Issue 8
Keywords: Telehealth and telecare schemes in Scotland, Patient involvement and choice, Healthcare quality improvement programmes
Scottish centre for telehealth and telecare, NHS 24, is set to extend its Patient Reminder Service across Scottish health boards to minimise the number of missed appointments, following two pilot schemes.
The service, which will be extended to 15 specialties, is set to minimise the number of missed appointments from one-in-four to one-in-six.
As part of the service, NHS 24 call operating staff will contact patients eight days before their scheduled appointment to increase the show up rates.
“The pilot scheme run in Fife and the Highlands has minimised ’did not attend’ rates by 27 per cent”
Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said NHS 24 is offering new services to improve efficiency and quality for patients.
“It is every patient’s responsibility to keep their appointment, but we also recognise that the NHS has a role to play in helping to make appointments convenient for patients,” Sturgeon added.
“The reminders have already achieved great results and with more health boards set to trial them, we can hope to see a better service for patients and a reduction in NHS time wasted.”
The pilot scheme run in Fife and the Highlands has minimised “did not attend” rates by 27 per cent.
The scheme has been conducted in departments such as gynaecology, paediatrics, gastroenterology and oral maxillofacial clinics.
For more information: www.hospitalmanagement.net