Automated Patient Management System Using Segmentation and Preliminary Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing healthcare systems focus on provider needs, leading to long wait times and poor customer service for patients, necessitating a system that maximizes efficiency and provides patients with easy access to their status and control over the healthcare process.
Innovation Solution
An automated healthcare system utilizing a computer communications network-based system, software, and patient identification devices (such as RFID or smartcards) to direct, track, and optimize patient activity, while allowing patients to access their information and control their process, including check-in, queue management, and communication with healthcare providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing healthcare systems focus on provider needs, then provider efficiency is improved, but patient wait times increase and customer service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments patient management into distinct phases: check-in, queue management, and treatment. Each phase is handled by specialized modules (registration module, queue management module, treatment module) that can operate independently and efficiently, reducing overall processing time while maintaining provider productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering patients, pre-assigning them to appropriate queues based on their conditions, and preparing treatment schedules before patients actually arrive. This advance preparation eliminates bottlenecks and reduces wait times without compromising provider efficiency during actual treatment delivery.
2Ease of operation
If existing healthcare systems focus on provider needs, then operational control is improved, but patient access to information and control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functional access points that serve both providers and patients. The same network infrastructure and database system provide operational control to providers while simultaneously giving patients access to their information through patient portals, mobile apps, and display screens. This universal platform maintains operational efficiency while enhancing patient accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the automated information system) that mediates between provider operations and patient information needs. This intermediary handles data retrieval, processing, and presentation, allowing providers to maintain operational control while patients gain easy access to their health information, queue status, and treatment details without disrupting provider workflows.
3Device complexity
If manual queue management is used, then system complexity is reduced, but patient flow efficiency and communication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capabilities where patients can autonomously check in, view their queue status, receive notifications about their turn, and access their treatment information without manual intervention. This automation handles routine queue management tasks, significantly improving patient flow efficiency while the system complexity remains manageable through modular design and standardized protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for making the process of registering at and receiving treatment in a healthcare facility more efficient and safe has been developed. The system utilizes computer communications network-based systems, software, various input and output stations, and a patient identification card (e.g., Loyalty Card) that work together to allow (a) providers to direct, track, and optimize the efficiency of patient activity and (b) patients to have ready access to their status and, in some cases, control of the healthcare process.