Trent Vale Medical Centre has improved access for
patients by enabling them to book, cancel and amend GP appointments
through
digital television.
The centre is one of 1,100 surgeries across the UK to use the
new system to increase ease of access for patients who work or who
are less mobile.
DigiTV implemented the DiTV programme, alongside primary care
systems provider EMIS, giving patients the ability to access their
GP's appointment book via their TV remote control or mobile
phone.
Patients have access to the same system that the doctor's
receptionist uses when checking appointment availability.
Surgeries in South Yorkshire, Stoke, Reading and Wrexham have
been using DiTV for some time, and it is now nationally available
via the Looking Local portal on DiTV.
Marc Bough, manager of the Trent Vale Medical Centre, said the
system had proved a success since its implementation in January
this year.
"The level of missed appointments has gone down, which is good
because each missed appointment costs the health service about
£15.
"Traditional standards of access are OK for most patients, but
for the less mobile, or for those who work, they are rather
restrictive.
"The system is good for people who do not have the internet, and
it is good for older, less mobile people. The older people are, the
less trusting they are of technology, but they trust the television
because they see it as a familiar friend," he said.
"It is also good for people who have long working hours, as they
can book appointments easily when they get home. There seems to be
a high level of satisfaction so far."
At the moment, patients can only book, amend or cancel
appointments, but there are plans to add to this. Patients will
soon be able to order repeat prescriptions, get health information
and leave messages for doctors.
"We are hoping to be testing these extra services by the end of
the year," said Bough.
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