06.03.14
Cutting the cost of patient ‘no-shows’ a priority
In an attempt to reduce the number of missed GP and outpatient appointments, NHS England is implementing a system that ‘fits into the lives of patients’ more easily.
By rolling out a range of technological solutions to let patients check, book and cancel appointments at their own convenience and order repeat medication online, it is hoped that NHS resources can stop being wasted.
Figures provided by NHS England have suggested that more than 12 million GP appointments are missed each year in the UK, costing in excess of £162m per year. A further 6.9 million outpatient hospital appointments are missed every 12 months, costing an average of £108 per appointment in 2012/13.
Beverley Bryant, director of strategic systems and technology at NHS England, said: “It’s important that people realise that not turning up to appointments can have a big impact on the care and treatment we are able to give other patients. It wastes doctors’ and nurses’ time too, which costs taxpayers money.”
Missed appointments, known as Did Not Attends (DNAs), can cause serious delays in treatment for other patients. However, a number of clinics are starting to implement simple initiatives such as sending email and text reminders that are starting to have a positive impact: outpatient DNAs have fallen to 9.1% from 10.5% in 2008/9.
In some cases, doctors are also making the most of the rise of smartphones and tablets to connect with patients. For example, outpatient consultations via Skype are becoming increasingly common for patients who don’t need a physical examination.
Bryant added: “Patient care is always at the top of our agenda. That’s why we are doing everything we can to make our service match with people’s lifestyles and the technology they use, to give more people easy access to the services they need. We hope the public will do their bit too by making sure they attend or cancel appointments in good time. That way, everybody benefits.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]