Step-by-Step Guide: Internet appointment booking
Consult
Have you checked with your Patient Participation Group to see whether there is an appetite for booking appointments online? What do your reception staff think about it? Are they happy to manage the system?
*GP systems
There are a range of software solutions that work across many GP clinical operating systems. Many of the GP Systems of Choice (GPSoC) suppliers offer similar appointment booking services:
- Egton Medical Information Systems Limited (EMIS) offer online appointment booking through EMIS Access. Around 1,500 practices are using this. An average of 45,000 appointments are being booked online each month. Depending on the software, patients can also access the system using digital TV, or on their mobile. Practices using EMIS LV5.2 or EMIS PCS can use EMIS Access straight away – provided you have configured your software correctly. To do this, download one of the two easy-to-follow configuration guides. For more information or further support contact 0845 123 4455 or email fieldoperations@e-mis.com.
- CSC Computer Sciences Limited offer online appointment booking through their SystmOnline service. It is an integral part of SystmOne. Practices can get started straight away by calling The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) on 0113 20 500 80. More information available here.
- In Practice Systems (InPS) offer something slightly different. Vision Patient Partner is a 24-hour telephone appointment booking system that integrates with Vision’s appointments. This allows patients to manage their appointments at any time.For more information contact 020 7501 7440, email sales@inps.co.uk or visit their website.
- Practices using Practice Manager 2 from Microtest can make use of the e-Appointments facility. To place an order, or to request a demonstration, contact 0845 345 1606 or email sales@microtest.co.uk. For more information visit their website.
- FrontDesk work across many GP systems including EMIS LV and PCS, InPS vision, iSoft Synergy and Premiere. They offer a range of modules such as online appointment booking, appointment reminders, check-in screens and patient call displays.
Training
Think about your staff receiving software training so that you can both make best use of the operating system. Training usually costs money, so contact your software supplier directly to check. Do make sure your patients know how to use the system. This may also require some training.
Communications
It is vital that you ensure all patients are made aware of the new system. Many suppliers offer promotional materials – such as posters and patient leaflets – that you can download from their websites.
Useful links
Read for yourself what patients are saying at: www.digitalspy.co.uk.
*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of GP systems or software applications.
