Digital healthcare ecosystem to transform patient care with real-time queue management

Abstract

A digital healthcare ecosystem to transform patient care with real-time queue management, including: an appointment and laboratory test booking module configured to allow patients to easily book and schedule doctor consultations and diagnostic tests; a healthcare provider module configured to manage appointments, patient records, billing, internal laboratory and pharmacy integration, and operational analytics, with the healthcare provider module configured to manage dashboard features for physicians, hospital administrators, and laboratory technicians to monitor and update patient status; a real-time queue management module coupled to the healthcare provider module and the appointment and laboratory test booking module, wherein the real-time queue management module is configured to assign a digital token number to patients upon booking once accepted by the healthcare provider module, wherein the real-time queue management module is configured to update the queue position of patients using time-stamped data; a patient interface configured to allow patients to view real-time queue updates, book appointments, and access lab reports using the digital token number; a notification system configured to send notifications to patients and physicians regarding appointment reminders, queue progress, and follow-up instructions; a cloud-based server configured to securely store patient data and enable seamless communication between the patient interface and the healthcare provider module; a display unit configured to show estimated waiting times and notify patients when it is their turn; and a dynamic scheduling module configured to take into account physician availability, patient preferences, and historical data to minimize waiting times and avoid overbooking.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of digital healthcare systems, in particular to a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem that integrates diverse functions to optimize both patient care and healthcare processes. Furthermore, the present invention describes a digital healthcare ecosystem for transforming patient care with real-time queue management. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The healthcare industry has undergone profound transformation over the past decade. Digital technologies are increasingly being used to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Despite these advances, many healthcare systems still suffer from critical inefficiencies and fragmented processes that negatively impact patient satisfaction and resource management.

[0003] Traditionally, healthcare facilities rely on manual scheduling and token-based queuing systems, which often result in long wait times and a poor patient experience. Patients are often unsure how long they will have to wait due to a lack of real-time updates, leading to frustration and inefficiency. Furthermore, healthcare providers struggle with outdated scheduling methods that ineffectively utilize available resources. This leads to underutilization during off-peak hours and massive congestion during peak periods.

[0004] While various digital solutions have been introduced to facilitate appointment booking and offer telemedicine services, these platforms typically focus on individual aspects of healthcare delivery. For example, some systems offer online appointment scheduling, while others offer teleconsultations or digital prescription services. However, there remains a significant market gap for a comprehensive system that seamlessly integrates real-time queue management, appointment scheduling, lab test booking, and comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) for healthcare facilities.

[0005] Furthermore, the current landscape is characterized by a lack of interoperability between different digital health tools. Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs often operate with disparate systems, resulting in data silos and inefficient information sharing. This fragmentation not only impairs operational efficiency but also prevents holistic management of patient care across different services. As demand for integrated digital solutions increases—and trends point to significant market growth in the digital health space—there is an urgent need for a unified platform that supports future integrations such as insurance processing, pharmacy services, and transportation solutions.

[0006] The present invention addresses these challenges with a unified digital healthcare ecosystem. The system offers real-time queue tracking, seamless appointment and lab test scheduling, and integrated ERP capabilities specifically tailored to healthcare providers. By consolidating these services onto a modular, scalable platform, it aims to increase operational efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve the overall patient experience, thereby addressing critical deficiencies in the current healthcare system.

[0007] The present invention is applicable to a wide range of healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and pharmacies. It is particularly suitable for environments where there is an urgent need for digital transformation in healthcare management. By solving problems such as long waiting times, fragmented service delivery, and operational inefficiencies, the invention is intended to significantly increase patient satisfaction and improve resource utilization in healthcare. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a digital healthcare ecosystem designed to revolutionize patient care and optimize the operational efficiency of healthcare providers. The invention integrates several key features into a single, modular platform, including a dynamic system for issuing digital tokens, real-time tracking of patient locations, and providing accurate wait time estimates and notifications. This feature significantly reduces patient uncertainty and improves the overall experience by minimizing crowds in healthcare facilities. Through an intuitive user interface, patients can easily book, reschedule, or cancel appointments with healthcare providers and diagnostic labs. The system replaces traditional, manual scheduling methods with a digital solution that optimizes patient flow and improves service delivery.A comprehensive ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) module combines appointment scheduling, patient records, billing, and inventory management. This integration enables healthcare providers—from individual clinics to large hospitals—to efficiently manage their operations and improve resource utilization. The platform is designed with a future-proof, modular architecture that enables seamless integration with additional services such as pharmacy ordering, insurance processing, and transportation solutions (e.g., taxi or ambulance services). This scalability ensures that the platform can evolve to meet the new demands of the digital healthcare landscape. Furthermore, it serves as a central hub for blood banks, where users can request blood and simultaneously express their interest in donating blood.In addition, this tool provides parking assistance to patients in the city, where lack of space is a major problem. It also serves as a marketplace for healthcare providers to search for relevant locations. The tool also supports Teke medication and various social events in collaboration with healthcare providers.

[0009] By overcoming the limitations of traditional healthcare management systems—long wait times, fragmented service delivery, and inefficient resource allocation—this invention increases both patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. This integrated approach not only simplifies the treatment process for patients but also provides healthcare providers with a powerful tool for holistic service management. This invention thus represents a significant advance in digital healthcare, paving the way for a more connected, efficient, and patient-centric future.

[0010] In one embodiment, a digital healthcare ecosystem is provided to transform patient care with real-time queue management. The system includes an appointment and lab test booking module that enables patients to seamlessly book and schedule doctor consultations and diagnostic tests; a healthcare provider module for managing appointments, patient records, billing, in-house lab and pharmacy integration, and operational analytics; the healthcare provider module manages dashboard features for physicians, hospital administration, and lab technicians to monitor and update patient status; and a real-time queue management module that interfaces with the healthcare provider module and the appointment and lab test booking module.The real-time queue management module assigns patients a digital token number after the booking is accepted by the healthcare provider module and updates the patient queue position using timestamp data; a patient interface that allows patients to view real-time queue updates based on the digital token number, book appointments, and access lab reports; a notification system that informs patients and physicians about appointment reminders, queue history, and follow-up instructions; a cloud-based server configured to securely store patient data and enable seamless communication between the patient interface and the healthcare provider module; and a display unit configured to show estimated wait times and notify patients when it is their turn.And a dynamic scheduling module configured to take into account doctor availability, patient preferences, and historical data to minimize wait times and avoid overbooking.

[0011] In another embodiment, the healthcare provider module is configured to consolidate data from appointments, billing, and lab reports to provide an integrated view of hospital operations, and the healthcare provider module is configured to support automated billing, inventory management, and performance analysis.

[0012] In another embodiment, the real-time queue management module is configured to track and display live queue information so that patients can receive accurate updates on wait times and manage their arrival at healthcare facilities.

[0013] In another embodiment, the dynamic scheduling module dynamically adjusts appointments based on real-time data and historical patient flow analysis.

[0014] In another embodiment, the healthcare provider module is configured to provide support for future integration with insurance processing, pharmacy ordering, and transportation services such as taxis / ambulances.

[0015] In another embodiment, the patient interface is configured to facilitate the booking of digital laboratory tests and the retrieval of reports.

[0016] In another embodiment, the patient interface is configured to provide a clear map view of the hospital to guide patients and to provide a route structure between the patient's current location, the physician's room, and the laboratory.

[0017] One objective of this disclosure is to enable patients to view real-time queue updates based on their token number, book appointments, access lab reports, and more.

[0018] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide alerts for appointment reminders, queue progress, and follow-up instructions.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is the management of appointments, patient records, billing, integration of internal laboratories and pharmacies, and operational analysis.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to assign a digital token upon booking once it has been accepted by the provider and to continuously update the queue position using time-stamped data.

[0021] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0022] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a digital healthcare ecosystem for transforming patient care with real-time queue management according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the elements in the drawings are shown for convenience and are not necessarily to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the method by key steps to enhance understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, with respect to device construction, one or more components of the device may be represented in the drawings by conventional symbols. The drawing may show only the specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of the present disclosure in order not to clutter the drawing with details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the present description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0024] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and a clear description thereof. However, the scope of the invention is not limited thereby. Changes and further modifications to the illustrated system, as well as further applications of the principles of the invention, are possible, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

[0025] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0026] References in this specification to "one aspect," "another aspect," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the language "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may or may not refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] The terms "comprises," "comprising," or variations thereof, are intended to be non-exclusive. A process or method that includes a list of steps includes not only those steps but also additional steps not expressly listed or inherent in the process or method. Similarly, the statement "comprises" for one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components does not exclude, without further limitation, the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components, or of additional devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The present invention relates to the field of digital healthcare systems, in particular to a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem that integrates multiple functions to optimize both patient care and healthcare processes. More specifically, this invention relates to

[0031] A system for tracking and displaying queue information in real time. Patients receive accurate information about waiting times and can manage their arrival at healthcare facilities more efficiently. Patients receive a token after booking an appointment, which can be tracked within the application itself.

[0032] An interface that enables patients to seamlessly schedule doctor consultations and diagnostic tests, reducing the inefficiencies of traditional scheduling systems.

[0033] A comprehensive operations management module that centralizes scheduling, billing, patient records, and inventory management, specifically tailored to hospitals and clinics. Hospitals can add and integrate in-house labs and pharmacies.

[0034] A modular architecture supports the planned integration of additional services such as pharmacy ordering, insurance processing for cashless treatments, and transportation solutions (including ambulance or taxi services) for comprehensive healthcare. Based on factors such as location and reviews, users receive recommendations for the nearest and most trusted facilities.

[0035] This invention is applicable to a wide range of healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and pharmacies. It is particularly suitable for environments where there is an urgent need for digital transformation in healthcare management. By solving problems such as long waiting times, fragmented service delivery, and operational inefficiencies, the invention is expected to significantly increase patient satisfaction and improve resource utilization in healthcare.

[0036] The invention is implemented as a digital healthcare ecosystem to transform patient care with real-time queue management. It consists of three main components: 1. Patient interface: ◯ A mobile application that allows patients to view real-time queue updates based on token number, book appointments, access lab reports, and more. ◯ Notification system that provides alerts about appointment reminders, queue progress, and follow-up instructions. 2. Interface for healthcare providers (ERP module): ◯ An integrated ERP system that manages appointments, patient records, billing, internal laboratory and pharmacy integration, and operational analytics. ◯ Dashboard features for physicians, hospital administrators, and laboratory technicians to monitor and update patient status. 3. Backend infrastructure: ◯ A cloud-based server architecture that securely stores patient data and enables seamless communication between modules. ◯ APIs that facilitate integration with external services (e.g. insurance, pharmacy, transport) in future phases. System operation • Real-time queue management: Patients receive a digital token after booking once the provider has accepted the booking. The system continuously updates their queue position with timestamp data. The user interface displays estimated wait times and notifies patients when it's their turn. • Appointment scheduling: The system offers a dynamic scheduling algorithm that takes into account doctor availability, patient preferences and historical data to minimize waiting times and avoid overbooking. • ERP functionality: The ERP module consolidates data from appointments, billing, and lab reports, providing an integrated view of hospital operations. It supports automated billing, inventory management, and performance analysis. • Scalability: The platform is modular to allow for future integrations with additional services such as insurance verification, pharmacy ordering, and taxi / ambulance dispatch.

[0037] Fig.Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a digital healthcare ecosystem 100 for transforming patient care with real-time queue management according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes an appointment and lab test booking module 102 that enables patients to seamlessly book and schedule physician consultations and diagnostic tests; a healthcare provider module 104 for managing appointments, patient records, billing, in-house laboratory and pharmacy integration, and operational analytics. The healthcare provider module 104 manages dashboard functions for physicians, hospital administration, and laboratory technicians to monitor and update patient status; and a real-time queue management module 106 that interfaces with the healthcare provider module 104 and the appointment and lab test booking module 102.The real-time queue management module 106 assigns a digital token number to patients after the booking is accepted by the healthcare provider module and updates the patients' queue position based on timestamp data.a patient interface 108 configured to allow patients to view real-time queue updates based on the digital token number, book appointments, and access lab reports; a notification system 110 configured to provide patients and physicians with appointment reminders, queue progress, and follow-up instructions; a cloud-based server 112 configured to securely store patient data and enable seamless communication between the patient interface and the healthcare provider module; a display unit 114 configured to display estimated wait times and notify patients when it is their turn; and a dynamic scheduling module 116 configured to consider physician availability, patient preferences, and historical data to minimize wait times and avoid overbooking.

[0038] In another embodiment, the healthcare provider module is configured to consolidate data from appointments, billing, and lab reports to provide an integrated view of hospital operations, and the healthcare provider module is configured to support automated billing, inventory management, and performance analysis.

[0039] In another embodiment, the real-time queue management module is configured to track and display live queue information so that patients can receive accurate updates on wait times and manage their arrival at healthcare facilities.

[0040] In another embodiment, the dynamic scheduling module dynamically adjusts appointments based on real-time data and historical patient flow analysis.

[0041] In another embodiment, the healthcare provider module is configured to provide support for future integration with insurance processing, pharmacy ordering, and transportation services such as taxis / ambulances.

[0042] In another embodiment, the patient interface is configured to facilitate the booking of digital laboratory tests and the retrieval of reports.

[0043] In another embodiment, the patient interface is configured to provide a clear map view of the hospital to guide patients and to provide a route structure between the patient's current location, the physician's room, and the laboratory. Advantages • Improved patient experience: Reduced waiting times and improved transparency in queue management. • Operational efficiency: Optimized workflows and consolidated data management for healthcare providers. • Future-proof: A flexible platform that can evolve to meet new healthcare needs. • Environmental benefits: - Reduced carbon footprint: By minimizing in-person visits and optimizing appointment schedules, the platform can help reduce energy consumption and unnecessary travel, contributing to environmental sustainability. - Digital records: Switching to electronic documentation minimizes paper consumption and complies with environmentally friendly practices. • Alignment with Digital Indian initiatives: The solution supports and enhances initiatives such as the Digital India campaign and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which aim to create a digitally empowered and transparent healthcare ecosystem. - Improved accessibility: By leveraging mobile technologies and digital platforms, the system improves access to healthcare in rural and remote areas, promotes inclusivity, and bridges the urban-rural digital divide. - Improved efficiency: The digitalization of health services is in line with national efforts to modernize infrastructure and streamline administrative processes, thus supporting the country's economic and social development goals.

[0044] The drawings and the foregoing description show examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the described elements may well be combined to form a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be separated into multiple functional elements. Elements of one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of the processes described herein may be changed and is not limited to the manner described herein. Furthermore, the actions of a flowchart need not be performed in the order shown; nor do all actions necessarily have to be performed. Also, actions that are not dependent on other actions may be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of the embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples.Numerous variations, whether explicitly stated in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimensions and material use, are. REFERENCES 100 A digital healthcare ecosystem to improve patient care with real-time queue management. 102 Appointment and laboratory test booking module 104 Healthcare Provider Module 106 Real-time queue management module 108 Patient interface 110 Notification system 112 Cloud-based server 114 Display unit 116 Dynamic Planning Module

Claims

[1] A digital healthcare ecosystem to transform patient care with real-time queue management, the system comprising: an appointment and laboratory test booking module configured to allow patients to easily book and schedule doctor consultations and diagnostic tests; a healthcare provider module configured to manage appointments, patient records, billing, internal laboratory and pharmacy integration, and operational analytics, with the healthcare provider module configured to manage dashboard features for physicians, hospital administrators, and laboratory technicians to monitor and update patient status; a real-time queue management module coupled to the healthcare provider module and the appointment and laboratory test booking module, wherein the real-time queue management module is configured to assign a digital token number to patients upon booking once accepted by the healthcare provider module, wherein the real-time queue management module is configured to update the queue position of patients using time-stamped data; a patient interface configured to allow patients to view real-time queue updates, book appointments, and access lab reports using the digital token number; a notification system configured to send notifications to patients and physicians regarding appointment reminders, queue progress, and follow-up instructions; a cloud-based server configured to securely store patient data and enable seamless communication between the patient interface and the healthcare provider module; a display unit configured to show estimated waiting times and notify patients when it is their turn; and a dynamic scheduling module configured to take into account physician availability, patient preferences, and historical data to minimize waiting times and avoid overbooking. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the healthcare provider module is configured to consolidate data from appointments, billing, and lab reports to provide an integrated view of hospital operations, the healthcare provider module being configured to support automated billing, inventory management, and performance analysis. [3] The system of claim 1, wherein the real-time queue management module is configured to track and display live queue information so that patients can receive accurate updates on their wait times and manage their arrival at healthcare facilities. [4] The system of claim 1, wherein the dynamic scheduling module dynamically adjusts appointments based on real-time data and historical patient flow analysis. [5] The system of claim 1, wherein the healthcare provider module is configured to provide support for future integration with insurance processing, pharmacy ordering, and transportation services such as taxis / ambulances. [6] The system of claim 1, wherein the patient interface is configured to facilitate the booking of digital laboratory tests and the retrieval of reports. [7] The system of claim 1, wherein the patient interface is configured to provide a clear map view of the hospital to guide patients and to provide a route structure between the patients' current location, the physician's room, and the laboratory.

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