Appointment Booking System Research Articles

Mapping evidence on the factors contributing to long waiting times and interventions to reduce waiting times within primary health care facilities in South Africa: A scoping review.

Globally, reduction of patient waiting time has been identified as one of the major characteristics of a functional health system. In South Africa, 83% of the general population visiting primary healthcare (PHC) facilities must contend with long waiting times, overcrowding, staff shortages, poor quality of care, an ineffective appointment booking system, and a lack of medication. These experiences may, in turn, affect how patients view service quality. This scoping review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework. The primary literature search of peer-reviewed and review articles was achieved through PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and World Health Organization (WHO) library databases, using waiting times, outpatient departments, factors, interventions, and primary healthcare facilities as keywords. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full articles, using the set inclusion and exclusion criteria. We used NVIVO® version 10 software to facilitate thematic analysis of the results from included studies. From the initial 250 records screened, nine studies were eligible for inclusion in this scoping review. Seven papers identified the factors contributing to waiting time, and five papers mentioned effective interventions implemented to reduce waiting times within PHC facilities. Our analysis produced three (patient factors, staff factors, and administrative systems) and two (manual-based waiting time reduction systems and electronic-based waiting time reduction systems) main themes pertaining to factors contributing to long waiting times and interventions to reduce waiting times, respectively. Our results revealed that the patients, staff, and administrative systems all contribute to long waiting times within the PHC facilities. Patient waiting times recorded a wider and more evenly spread patient arrival pattern after the identified interventions in our study were implemented. There is a need to constantly strategize on measures such as implementing the use of an electronic appointment scheduling system and database, improving staff training on efficient patient flow management, and regularly assessing and optimizing administrative processes. By continuously monitoring and adapting these strategies, PHC facility managers can create a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare experience.

Compassionate Veterinary Care Platform

Abstract: This paper proposes a digital appointment booking system for pet clinics, aimed at enhancing convenience and efficiency. Through the system's user-friendly interface, pet owners can easily schedule appointments for their beloved friends. Users can choose desired time slots, see which veterinarians are available, and indicate if they are there for an emergency consultation, vaccine, or routine check-up. The system also makes it possible for clinic employees to effectively manage appointments, which lowers wait times and improves efficiency.

Cancer in prison: barriers and enablers to diagnosis and treatment

Approximately 82,000 people are in prison annually in England and Wales. Limited research has investigated cancer in this population and none has explored experiences of imprisoned people with cancer. This study aimed to address this gap. We conducted 55 semi-structured, qualitative, audio-recorded interviews with: imprisoned people with cancer (n=24), custodial staff (n=6), prison healthcare staff (n=16) and oncology specialists (n=9). Data were collected 07/10/2019-20/03/2020. Patients were recruited by prison healthcare staff and interviews were conducted face-to-face. Professionals were recruited via professional networks and interviews were conducted face-to-face or via telephone. Transcribed interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. We also analysed relevant National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) questions for those diagnosed in prison (n=78) and in the general population (n=390). Our findings highlight the complexities of cancer care for imprisoned people. We identified three core themes: control and choice, communication, and care and custody. Whilst people in prison follow a similar diagnostic pathway to those in the community, additional barriers to diagnosis exist including health literacy, the General Practitioner appointment booking system and communication between prison and oncology staff. Tensions between control and choice in prison impacted aspects of cancer care experience such as symptom management and accessing cancer information. NCPES results supported the qualitative findings and showed people in prison reported significantly poorer experiences than in the general population. Our findings demonstrate the complexity of cancer care in custodial settings, identifying barriers and enablers to equitable cancer care provision and offering insights on how to improve care for this population. National Institute for Health and Social Care Research Delivery Research Programme 16/52/53 and Strategic Priorities Fund 2019/20 Research England via University of Surrey.

Kidney Disease Prediction with Encrypted Data Sharing in Healthcare

A vital component of contemporary healthcare is disease risk assessment, which makes it possible to estimate a person's propensity to develop particular medical problems. Analyzing a variety of risk factors, including age, gender, lifestyle decisions, past medical history, and genetic susceptibility, is part of this procedure. The ability to access vast healthcare datasets and the development of sophisticated machine learning algorithms have greatly increased the accuracy of illness risk prediction. Using machine learning techniques, this proposed strategy offers an outline of the methodology involved in kidney disease prediction. Kidney disease Prediction seeks to enable early detection and intervention by utilizing machine learning (ML) techniques, such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), to predict the risk of kidney disease based on user query data. The project intends to increase treatment efficiency, improve quality of life for those at risk of renal disease, and expedite healthcare delivery through the integration of an appointment booking system and secure exchange of prescriptions and ideas. Utilizing the findings of the disease risk assessment, customized preventative plans are created based on the risk profile of the individual. These tactics could involve genetic counselling, specialized screening techniques, lifestyle adjustments, or preventative medicine. In order to keep models current with the most recent developments in medicine and data patterns, they must be continuously monitored and adjusted

A Cross-sectional Study on Patients' Perspective Towards Dermatology Outpatient Services from a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal

Introduction: Patient-centered care has received greater prominence in recent years, and it is paramount to assess the patient’s satisfaction to improve the quality of healthcare services. The present study is aimed at understanding the patients’ perspectives regarding dermatology outpatient services offered at a tertiary care center to determine the areas for improvement for better patient satisfaction. Objective: This study is intended to understand the patients’ perspectives regarding a typical dermatology OPD setup and to identify the areas for improvement in a tertiary center in Nepal. Materials and Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a content-validated, pre-tested, standardized, and translated questionnaire. All the patients who visited the outpatient department of Dermatology tertiary care center during the month of April 2022 and were willing to participate in the study were included. Result: A total of 157 patients participated in the survey. The majority of the participants were males (56.7%) and belonged to urban domiciles (80.9%). Nearly 42% of the subjects were seeking dermatology consultation for the first time, and 68.2% responded that the duration of consultation was sufficient. The details of symptoms, clinical results, and medication were clearly understood by 89.8%, 82.2%, and 73.9% of the subjects, respectively. Maintenance of privacy was reported by 76.4% of the participants. However, 25.5% of the subjects reported a waiting time of ≥4 hours for consultation, and 34.4% suggested the need for more manpower. Conclusion: The majority of the patients had a high degree of satisfaction. The areas of improvement include the adoption of technology-based appointment booking system, ensuring a good waiting ambience, increasing manpower, and reducing waiting time for consultations.

Doctor Appointment System

Abstract: In today's fast-paced world, efficient healthcare services are essential for maintaining the well-being of individuals. This abstract introduces a Doctor Appointment Booking System, designed to streamline the process of scheduling medical appointments. This system leverages technology to improve healthcare access, reduce patient waiting times, and enhance overall patient experience. The Doctor Appointment Booking System incorporates user-friendly web and mobile applications, allowing patients to conveniently browse through a list of available doctors, view their profiles, and select suitable appointment slots. It also provides a user-friendly interface for healthcare providers to manage their schedules and update their availability in real-time. Additionally, it features an integrated notification system to send appointment reminders, thus reducing no-show rates and ensuring optimal resource utilization. Furthermore, this system offers secure and confidential storage of patient data, ensuring compliance with relevant healthcare regulations, such as HIPAA. Data analytics capabilities enable the generation of valuable insights for both healthcare providers and administrators to improve resource allocation and optimize the patient experience

Technological Innovations to Improve Patient Engagement in Nephrology.

Technological innovation has accelerated exponentially over the last 2decades. From the rise of smartphones and social media in the early 2000s to the mainstream accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI) in 2023, digital advancements have transformed the way we live and work. These innovations have permeated health care, covering a spectrum of applications from virtual reality training platforms to AI-powered clinical decision support tools. In this review, we explore fascinating recent innovations that have and can facilitate patient engagement in nephrology. These include integrated care mobile applications, wearable health monitoring tools, virtual/augmented reality consultation and education platforms, AI-powered appointment booking systems, and patient information tools. We also discuss potential pitfalls in implementation and paradigms to adopt that may protect patients from unintended consequences of being cared for in a digitalized health care system.

Appointment Booking and Drug Inventory System in Healthcare Services Using Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by improving data security, reducing administrative inefficiencies, and enabling the seamless sharing of medical information. In the healthcare sector, blockchain can be applied to a wide range of use cases, such as medical record-keeping, clinical trials, drug traceability, and telemedicine. By using a secure, decentralized system, healthcare organizations can ensure that sensitive patient data is kept confidential and can be easily accessed by authorized parties. Additionally, the use of smart contracts can contribute to reducing the risk of errors and saving time and resources. In the proposed work, a decentralized application integrates healthcare services with blockchain technology to ensure transparency and security and prevent tampering with electronic medical records. The three main functionalities implemented in this work are to provide a transparent appointment booking system where patients can view the real-time availability status of the doctors and book an appointment with the doctor of their choice, and to store and retrieve data in an efficient and secure manner. To maintain a transparent and tamper-resistant medical inventory to prevent the unauthorized sale of medicines and drugs and also verify the availability of the drug. This helps the patients get the drugs in the quickest manner possible. Compared to existing centralized storage techniques, the proposed decentralized storage technique provides higher data availability, the fastest response time, and immutable storage of existing data. Experimental results show that, compared to existing work, the proposed work provided better results in throughput and latency. The communication cost of the proposed technique is 7% lesser than the existing Telecare Medicine Information system.

Development of Web-Based Advertisement Media on Sahrul Home Car Care

Amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, non-essential activities have shifted mainly to the safety of people's homes. This includes remote work (Work From Home) and shopping for basic needs online. However, service workers, particularly those in the service sector like Muhammad Sahrul, have faced significant challenges navigating the pandemic's impact. Sahrul, who owns an all-brand car repair shop, experienced a decline in customers visiting his workshop due to the outbreak. Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, Sahrul created "Sahrul Home Car Care," offering car repair services at customers' residences. To support this initiative, a team of researchers proposed technology-based solutions to improve his advertising strategy. The researchers developed a user-friendly digital portal, www.sahrulhomecarcare.com, showcasing Sahrul's services and implementing an appointment booking system. Additionally, they guided leveraging digital marketing channels to expand his outreach. Thanks to these digital innovations, Sahrul's business gained traction, attracting more customers and positive feedback. Embracing technology proved instrumental in overcoming the pandemic's challenges and ensuring the continued success of "Sahrul Home Car Care" in this ever-evolving digital era.

An Online Scheduling Platform for Veterinary Appointments

As a result of technological advancements such as the internet and wireless networks, many businesses, including veterinary clinics, have implemented these technologies in their day-to-day operations, and this trend has grown in popularity in recent years. This project proposes that veterinary clinics adopt an online, web-based appointment system to make the appointment process more efficient and straightforward. This research has two objectives: designing and developing a web-based concept for an online appointment booking system. The appointment system is subjected to a usability test to determine whether the proposed system simplifies appointment scheduling for users. This study employed the waterfall model, which consists of six phases, including requirement, analysis, design, coding, testing, and implementation. Visual Studio Code, for the coding process, and XAMPP control panel, for the development and testing of the system on a local web server, were utilized during the development of this research. During the testing period, functionality and usability tests were conducted, and based on the test results, the majority of users agree that this online appointment system is simple to use. In conclusion, this research has helped to simplify the appointment process for users of veterinary clinics, and it can be improved in the future by adding a payment gateway to the system to facilitate online banking payments.

Improving the Pap Smear Screening Rate for Cervical Cancer in a Health Management Center: A Quality Improvement Program

Early detection tests are highly effective in helping adult women prevent the onset of cervical cancer. However, the cervical Pap smear screening rate in a health management center was only 54.3% in 2020. This project was developed to improve the Pap smear screening rate for cervical cancer in a health management center. The strategies developed included revising the health examination lists, developing an online appointment booking system, designing a patient decision aid, creating a standardized simulation moulage for education, and rechecking patient's National Health Insurance cards. After implementation of these strategies, the Pap smear screening rate for cervical cancer rose from 54.3% to 81.2%. The screening rate at the health management center in 2022 reached 96.6%. Shared decision-making can elucidate the comprehensive options available to clients and support them in considering their options and achieving informed choices regarding Pap smear preferences.

SalonPro: Discover, Book and Beautify

Abstract: In the fast-paced salon industry, effective data management and seamless appointment booking are crucial for maintaining a successful business. This abstract presents the key features and benefits of a comprehensive website-based system designed to streamline data management and appointment booking for salons. The system incorporates a user-friendly appointment booking feature on the website, enabling customers to easily schedule appointments with their preferred stylists or therapists. The website presents an intuitive interface where customers can view available time slots, select desired services, and make bookings in real-time. Additionally, the system can offer supplementary features such as online payment processing, customer reviews and feedback, loyalty programs, and marketing tools. These features empower salons to engage with customers, cultivate loyalty, and attract new clients through targeted promotional campaigns. Implementing this comprehensive data management and appointment booking system website brings numerous advantages for salon owners and customers alike. It optimizes salon operations, improves customer satisfaction, increases revenue, and provides valuable insights for business growth.

Research Paper on: Doctor Appointment Booking System

Abstract: A mobile application called "Health Care Application" is designed to make it easier for people to get medical help by giving them quick, accurate responses. Users of the health care application include doctors, patients, and vendors of medications, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. The 'Health Care Application' concept will provide users access to all the amenities whenever and wherever they choose, given the significant increase in the use of smartphones. In today's current, technologically advanced world, it is crucial to find a quick, digital solution to any issue, therefore any emergency needs must be met in an approachable manner. This programme has a symptom analyzer that analyses the symptoms entered by the patient and suggests medications or medical professionals based on those symptoms.Given howdifficult it is to remember everything in the modern world, the medication reminder helps users remember their medication dosages without forgetting any. Multiple types of accounts help to maintain data security by limiting user access to only that data for which they are authorised, so data integrity is highly valued. Additionally, this application has a chat room where users can consult doctors, avoid waiting in line at the clinic, pay with their wallets, and, if they choose, take advantage of health insurance services. The patient's health status can be live-monitored by the doctor, who can also review past medical records.

Online Dental Appointment Booking System

In today’s fast-paced world, patients are seeking more efficient and convenient ways to schedule appointments with healthcare providers. With the increasing demand for convenient and efficient healthcare services, online appointment booking systems have become essential for dental practices. In response to this need, we have designed and implemented an online dental appointment website using ASP .Net and SQL Server. This paper discusses the features of online appointment booking systems, how they can enhance the overall experience for patients and dental clinics, and the website's design and implementation, including the database schema, user interface, and server-side scripting. The website allows patients to schedule appointments, view their appointment history, view and download their medical reports and update their personal information. Dentists can view their upcoming appointments, update their schedules, generate the patient’s medical reports and manage their patient database. Key Word: Online Dental Booking, Managing schedules, Download the reports, Sql Server.

Clinical Management and Appointment Booking System

Clinic management systems have become increasingly important in healthcare institutions, particularly in managing patient appointments. The aim of this paper is to present the design and implementation of a clinic management system with automated patient appointment booking. The system is designed to improve the efficiency of clinic operations and reduce the waiting time for patients. The system utilizes a web-based platform that allows patients to book their appointments online and receive automated reminders. The system also features a comprehensive management dashboard for clinic staff, enabling them to manage patient information, appointments, and clinical records. The system was evaluated in a clinical setting and received positive feedback from patients and staff.

Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction With the New Web-Based Medical Appointment Systems "Mawid" at Primary Health Care Level in Southwest Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Patient satisfaction has become an influential corner in the health services process. Web-based appointment scheduling has been expanded for its benefits and has become a popular research topic. This study's objectives were to assess patients' satisfaction and perception with the new Web-Based Medical Appointment System "Mawid" program and determine the associated factors at the Primary Health Care Centers level in Jazan Southwest Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational cross-sectional survey was implemented among 424 adults aged 18 years and above, attending a randomly selected 12 primary health care centers in the Jizan region, Southwest Saudi Arabia. The study instrument included socio-demographic background information, perception, and level of satisfaction with the new appointment system. Responses were analyzed using the SPSS program by applying descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results The overall level of satisfaction was very high at 94.3% with 95% C.I. (91.7-96.1). A large proportion of study participants were highly satisfied with the new Web-Based Medical appointment System "Mawid" as nine satisfaction items scored a level of satisfaction of 90% and above. Regarding the perception, 89.1% of the participants agreed that the appointment booking system regulates the number of patients, while 87.7% of participants considered that the appointment system reduces clinic crowding. More than half of respondents (61.8%) agreed that the community culture might limitthe scheduling system's use. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that male patients were more likely to have a higher level of satisfaction as compared with female (COR= 2.95, 95% C.I.:1.15-7.60,p = 0.025) and (AOR= 3.12, 95% C.I:1.14-8.52, p = 0.026), respectively. Conclusions In conclusion, this study revealed a high level of satisfaction among study the participants with the new Web-Based Medical Appointment System "Mawid." The system effectively improved patients' satisfaction with registration and reduced waiting times. Patients' satisfaction can be assessed regularly and used systematically as a quality and benchmarking instrument in primary health care.

A Doctor Appointment Booking System

This Online Doctor Appointment Booking System is a web application that provides an interface for patients to book their doctor appointment online. The main aim of this application is to remove the hardships that are available in the manual appointment booking system. Everyone has become so busy getting their doctor appointment in person and maintaining proper health care. The main advantage of this application is that patients can choose the doctor they wish on suitable dates and times based on their health issues. Admin will maintain the details of doctors and patients. Admin can add a new doctor or remove a doctor. Patients can also cancel their appointment which is available in this application. It saves a lot of time for patients. This application is fast and error-free.

Causes, impacts and possible mitigation of non-attendance of appointments within the National Health Service: a literature review

PurposeMissed appointments within the National Health Service (NHS) are a drain on resources, associated with not only considerable time and cost implications, but also sub-optimal health outcomes. This literature review aims to explore non-attendance within the NHS in relation to causes, impacts and possible mitigation of negative effects of missed appointments.Design/methodology/approachMEDLINE, CINAHL Plus and PubMed were searched with a date range of 2016–2021. Databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English addressing non-attendance of adults within the NHS. Studies were excluded if they were theoretical papers, dissertations or research concerning patients aged under 18. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis.FindingsThe results indicate a significant association of non-attendance and poor health outcomes. Patients from a lower socioeconomic status, adults aged over 85 and those with multiple co-morbidities are more likely to miss appointments. The most commonly reported patient-centred reasons for failing to attend were forgetfulness, transportation difficulties, and family commitments. Practice-specific reasons were cited as inefficiencies of the appointment booking system, failure of traditional reminders and inconvenient timings. Interventions included text reminder services, the inclusion of costs within reminders and enhanced patient involvement with the booking process.Originality/valueNon-attendance is complex, and to secure maximum attendance, targeted interventions are required by healthcare facilities to ensure patient needs are met. The adaption of scheduling systems and healthcare services can assist in reducing DNA rates.

Assessment of glaucoma awareness, uptake, and satisfaction with a free, targeted glaucoma screening program Southwest in Nigeria.

Glaucoma is a global public eye health concern, being the number one cause of irreversible blindness. It is commoner, has an earlier onset, and is more aggressive in people of African descent. Awareness creation and screening activities have been identified as key components of the glaucoma care pathway. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with analysis. The screening took place at the eye clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Participants comprised all consenting adults aged 40 years and above who presented following a prescheduled telephone appointment during the 2021 World Glaucoma Week (WGW) activities. The main outcome variables were the awareness of glaucoma, and the uptake of and satisfaction with the free screening program. The associations between participants' prior awareness of glaucoma and their socio-demographic and clinical features were explored using the Chi-squared test. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. A total of 94 (47%) participants presented for the screening out of the 200 people who scheduled an appointment through the telephone appointment booking system. Forty-nine (52.1%) were males, and the mean (SD) age of participants was 55 years (10.9) with a range of 40-80 years. Fifty-eight (61.7%) participants had heard of glaucoma before the 2021 WGW awareness programs and 75.9% (44) gained some new knowledge from the programs. Newly diagnosed glaucoma was 9.6% (n = 9) of which seven (77.8%) had advanced glaucoma (CDR ≥0.9) in at least one eye. One hundred percent of the participants reported that they would recommend the screening to others. Targeted eye screening can help with the early detection of glaucoma. Patient satisfaction should be at the fore of eye health services to improve uptake.

Scarred survivors: gate keepers and gate openers to healthcare for migrants in vulnerable circumstances.

BackgroundThe main barriers to ‘vulnerable migrants’ receiving good quality primary care are language and administration barriers. Little is known about the experiences of healthcare discrimination faced by migrants from different cultural groups. The aim was to explore vulnerable migrants’ perspectives on primary healthcare in a UK city.MethodsThree focus groups and two semi-structured interviews were aided by interpreters. These were analysed against a pre-developed framework based on national standards of care for vulnerable migrants. Recruitment was facilitated via a community organisation.ResultsIn total, 13 participants took part, six women and seven men. There were five Arabic speakers, four Farsi speakers and four English speakers. Themes included access to primary care, mental health, use of interpreters, post-migration stressors and cultural competency.ConclusionVulnerable migrants perceived high levels of discrimination and reported the value of a respectful attitude from health professionals. Appointment booking systems and re-ordering medication are key areas where language barriers cause the most disruption to patient care. Medication-only treatment plans have limitations for mental distress for this population. Community-based therapies which manage post-migration stressors are likely to enhance recovery.