May 03, 2007
Self-Service Technology
Recently, a trip to a bank, supermarket, or airport shows a growing presence of self-service technology. Interactive kiosks are being used for concierge functions, reservations, registrations, and check-out because the always-available, always-on technology lets the guest / customer to control their experience. Self-service technology is giving experienced business travelers the efficiency they demand while freeing up hotel or airline employees to help the casual traveler.
How is this technology being applied to the healthcare industry? Technology providers are trying hard to entice the healthcare industry to use these solutions.
Calgary Health Region in Canada last year installed kiosks for its employees to use to submit health benefit claims, view paycheck information and check e-mail. The result is a more efficient use of staff time and less frustrated employees. This also empowers the individual to be able to check and monitor their own information.
The health care industry has been slow to adopt self-service technology, which has shown potential to steamline administrative processes and cut costs. The self-service interface should be intuitive and user friendly, and it should be appropriate for the workflow and care setting. As individuals experience this technology in travel, banking, supermarkets and hotels it will become more widely adopted at hospitals or clinics.
If you have ever used the online check-in service at an airport, you know that printing a boarding pass at home allows you to skip long lines and proceed to security and the gate. Imagine using this same technology at an emergency room, hospital admission or clinic visit. Even the fact that a patient will be confirming their next day appointment, can help clinicians plan their time.
Article from Digital Healthcare & Productivity