Application of multi-channel appointment mode with time-segment and sub-project teams in ultrasonic examination at Women and Children’s Hospital

Objective To address the issues of heavy workload, concentrated peak time and long waiting period for patients at Maternal and Child Hospital, analyze the status of ultrasonic examination, and apply new appointment mode based on information technology.

Methods Through docking and interaction of reservation system, hospital information system (HIS) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), the multi-channel ultrasound reservation mode of time and program division unit was constructed, and the time-segment reservation of 7 ultrasonic examination programs was realized, including 5 appointment channels in out-patient clinic, in ward nurse station, triage reception, self-service machine and WeChat official account. A total of 3 047 and 2 604 patients who underwent ultrasound examination before and after the process transformation from May 10^th to 16^th, 2020 and October 10^th to 16^th were recruited as control group and study group, respectively. The average waiting period, appointment rate, number of complaints and patients’ satisfaction between two groups were compared.

Results The average waiting period of ultrasonic examination of each program in study group was significantly shorter than that in control group, and the appointment rate in study group was significantly higher than that in control group after the application of multi-channel appointment mode of time and program division unit in ultrasound examination. The number of complaints decreased, while patients’ satisfaction increased, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion  The application of multi-channel appointment mode of time and program division unit for ultrasound examination can significantly reduce waiting period of patients, ensure their safety, and effectively improve their medical experience.