An automated, electronic, client-centred results delivery system saves time and improves workflow
Vickie Knight A B , Colleen Nugent A , Rebecca Houghton A , Kelly O’Reilly A , Elizabeth Scally A and Heng Lu AA Sydney Sexual Health Centre, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: vickie.knight@health.nsw.gov.au
Sexual Health 16(1) 88-89 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH18100
Submitted: 16 May 2018 Accepted: 4 September 2018 Published: 18 December 2018
Abstract
Background: Traditional result notification methods, such as telephone calls, return visits and individualised emails or Short Message Service (SMS) texts, can be time consuming and may not align with client preference. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of our clients that showed that many clients prefer negative results by SMS or email, with the option to call or attend in person for positive results. Methods: We developed an innovative result-robot module in the electronic medical record that reads the electronic result and, using predefined algorithms, determines which SMS or email result template to send to the client. Results and Conclusion: Delivering automated negative results resulted in a 41% decrease in the number of clients calling for their results, demonstrating a significant efficiency gain.
Additional keywords: gay men, HIV, screening, sexual health.
References
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