Electronic Pre-Navigated Patient Intake in Complex Patients: A Zero Net Win-Win

Abstract

Providing care for patients with pelvic health disorders can be challenging due to their multidisciplinary nature. We describe the successful launch of an electronic, responsive, skip logic–based pre-visit intake in a complex patient population. A responsive intake employing branch logic was programmed targeting multidisciplinary pelvic health needs: urinary, bowel, sexual, and pain symptoms, as well as neurological, rheumatologic, and general medical history. Patient satisfaction, provider’s meaningful work, burnout inventories, confidence in intake process, and documentation time were collected prospectively from urology providers, nursing staff, and administrative staff before and after launch. Meaningful work and satisfaction were improved while burnout and exhaustion decreased amongst all employee types surveyed. Routine utilizers saw increased benefit. Patient satisfaction scores were higher in those who received the pre-intake electronic form than in those who completed paper forms at the time of the visit. A navigated intake form pre-documenting patients can improve the experience of providers, clinic employees, and patients.