KHSC aims to reduce lineups with mobile screening tool
Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is experiencing lineups of patients outside hospital sites due to the necessary COVID-19 screening for outpatient services. The organization is hoping to reduce the wait times by encouraging all patients to complete the COVID-19 screener using KSHC’s mobile screening tool prior to arriving for scheduled appointments.
The tool was first launched last August and has received favourable reviews from patients and hospital staff, according to a release from KHSC.
“Currently, approximately 20 per cent of people coming for outpatient services are using the mobile screening tool,” said Renaud Golsse Manager of Screening & Access Control at KHSC. “We have been experiencing lineups in recent weeks as each person entering the hospital must be screened for COVID-19. The mobile screening tool is the best way for patients to get to their appointments at their scheduled time.”
According to KHSC, the mobile screening tool, available in English and French, only takes a few minutes to complete. Once completed, patients will receive an email confirmation to bring with them to the hospital, along with their appointment slip. Screening staff will scan the code embedded in the email confirmation at entry and the patient will be able to go directly to their appointment.
“The mobile screen is only valid for four hours so it is important to complete the screening shortly before you arrive at hospital or you will need to re-do the mobile screening, or be screened in person when you arrive,” said Golsse. “The four-hour window has been established to ensure that the information about symptoms is accurate and to allow enough time for someone driving from out of town to complete this from home before they depart.”
The mobile screening tool, which patients can access at http://screening.kingstonhsc.ca, is one more way that KHSC is ensuring patient and staff safety when coming to the hospital for appointments, according to the release. As full partners in innovation, quality improvement, and design initiatives, KHSC said that patient advisors provided input into the development of the mobile screening tool to ensure it is clear and easy to use.