1. Is there a need for this technology?

• Do staff often handle enquiries about opening times, clinic availability, vaccinations etc?
• Are patients likely to watch the screen?
• Have you checked with your Patient Participation Group (PPG)?
• Do you have a particularly diverse practice population?
• If so, do the screens offer a multi-lingual option?
• Have any local practices implemented something similar? If so, talk to them and see what their patients think.
• Speak to your PCT – have they looked at any similar systems for other local services?

2. Before you choose a system or screen, check whether your current GP system supplier offers any compatible products. Or whether the product you are considering will work with your system. Consider what features and functionality you require. For example, do you want the patient call facility or just a health information portal?

3. Think value for money. Is this the most cost-effective solution? Are there other mechanisms and other techniques, for example leaflets or other communications tools, that you should use?

4. Set aside time to train staff on how to use the system and get the most out of it. Ensure patients are made fully aware of the system too.

5. Ensure you monitor and evaluate. Do receptionists feel the system is working well? Do waiting patients pay attention to the screen? Has there been an increase in clinic attendances?

6. Think carefully about patient messaging. It could be a good opportunity to make people aware of recent did not attend (DNA) rates, a new appointment booking system or future dates for PPG meetings.