Outpatient Surgery Magazine, providing current information on Surgical Services, Surgical Facility Administration, Outpatient Surgery News and Trends, OR Excellence and more.
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Streamlining post-op follow-up. Rather than having a staffer call to follow up with each patient, send video instructions about medications and infection prevention to ensure each patient's speedy recovery. Apps let a post-operative nurse ask how patients are feeling and if they have redness or swelling around the surgical area — and patients can respond by sending photos of the site for prompt review. Some apps even have "chat functions" so staff can speak directly with patients to answer any follow-up questions and ameliorate concerns. Taking satisfaction surveys. Many apps send automatic updates asking patients how they would rate their experience at your sur- gical facility, drilling down into areas such as wait times, communication and overall friendliness. These interactive surveys evolve based on how patients respond, and then facilitate the follow-up process for gathering more in-depth feedback, because patients have an outlet for sharing their voices. This data can then be compiled and analyzed to address any shortfalls in patient care or satisfaction. Getting paid. Right now, mobile apps are providing additional safeguards and valuable stand-ins that free up staff for clinical care and other vital tasks. Advances will likely come soon in areas such as payment. Apps already have the capability to remind patients they have an outstanding balance and instruct them who and when to call so they can fulfill their financial obligations, but we could soon see apps that set up payment plans, procure financing services and pay for services with the simple push of a button. Apps in action at a hospital As part of a recent renovation, Sarasota Memorial Hospital moved 4 5 6 5 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J a n u a r y 2 0 1 7