Read on Twitter
THREAD: An example of how tech could save time++ & improve care in General Practice.
It will sound like a pipe dream to GPs, including me. But in other industries this level of automation is standard. It doesn't require AI or anything flashy.
Key:
=
impossible currently https://twitter.com/jacobnhaddad/status/1329195095757905923
It will sound like a pipe dream to GPs, including me. But in other industries this level of automation is standard. It doesn't require AI or anything flashy.
Key:
=
impossible currently https://twitter.com/jacobnhaddad/status/1329195095757905923
A man's Hypertension review is due. He needs a BP check and blood test.
With no human intervention, the IT system sends him a notification via SMS/email/app.
He does not respond. A week later, he is automatically sent another notification.
With no human intervention, the IT system sends him a notification via SMS/email/app.
He does not respond. A week later, he is automatically sent another notification.
He clicks the link. He fills out a questionnaire which is tailored to his condition. It includes a medication review, with questions specific to his drugs.
His answers are coded directly into his record.
His answers are coded directly into his record.
He is asked to choose how to check his BP. One option is home monitoring, and enter his readings into the IT system over the course of the week.
At the end of the week, the average is calculated according to the http://bihsoc.org protocol and coded.
At the end of the week, the average is calculated according to the http://bihsoc.org protocol and coded.
Instead, he could use the BP machine in the waiting room. It's linked to the IT system. If the first reading is above his personal target, it instructs him to do more readings up to a total of 3. The lowest reading is coded. If it's high, he is told to repeat it another day.
Having checked his BP, he books his blood test online. He is automatically offered a choice of slots with appropriate staff members, of the correct duration.
These slots can only be booked by eligible patients.
These slots can only be booked by eligible patients.
*Everything so far has happened with no involvement of staff*
At his blood appointment, the IT system knows what tests are needed. His gout blood test isn't due for a few months, but that will be checked now to save a future appointment.
At his blood appointment, the IT system knows what tests are needed. His gout blood test isn't due for a few months, but that will be checked now to save a future appointment.
The IT system links to the pathology system, and the healthcare assistant prints the request form with one click.
His BP is too high. The system knows his hypertension can be managed according to the NICE protocol, because he has been automatically risk-stratified as a low-complexity patient.
He receives another automated online notification, advising him that the next step is to add a second medication for blood pressure. It explains how to take the medication and what the side effects may be. He consents to start the medication.
Now the GP becomes involved for the first time. She is presented with the blood results, BP readings, and online questionnaires in a single view. She can see easily that there are no causes for concern. With one click, she files the blood tests and authorises the medication.
So many red crosses. This vision feels a long way from reality. But none of this is technically hard, and none of it would require a change in medicolegal regulation.
