Over a million a year are visits to doctors that have not been canceled by patients. Moreover, some people sign up for several different visits at the same time, in several different places. The e-registration system, which is already operating on a pilot basis in 150 facilities, is intended to detect such situations and make it easier for us to cancel the visit if we know that we will not arrive.
Mrs. Tatiana made an appointment with the diagnostician via the usual analogue method, but she already knows that she will schedule the next examination at a convenient date online and will receive a reminder phone call the day before the visit.
– This is very important because it reminds us. Not everyone remembers. I also remembered that I was here two years ago, but I didn't know what month, says Mrs. Tatiana.
Some people don't remember where they were, others don't remember where they were supposed to go, and this more or less conscious forgetting blocks others' places in the queues. Thanks to the e-registration system, this is about to change. – It will also monitor the behavior of patients who register in many places at the same time. This system will help eliminate this type of pathological behavior, says Andrzej Stencel from Geneva Trust Polska.
Patients do not come for scheduled appointments in large numbers. Because of this, others have to wait. The problem is all over PolandMarzanna Zielińska/Fakty TVN
Pilot in 150 facilities
Patients from 150 medical facilities from all over the country included in the pilot program were the first to set off on untrodden paths. First, the system is tested on those interested in cytology and mammography, as well as on patients who need support from a cardiologist.
This is not a random choice, because there is no need to explain the consequences of reacting too late to the threat of a heart attack, stroke or cancer.
– If they require in-depth diagnostics, when something else needs to be assessed after mammography, they are called very quickly for a deeper examination, for an additional X-ray, for an additional mammography, for an additional ultrasound – points out Marta Zysk, a radiologist from the Białystok Oncology Center.
Hospitals are drowning in debt, and there is no lifeline in sightMarek Nowicki/Fakty TVN
How to register?
The institutions participating in the program can be found on the website patient.gov.pl and here you can also log in to your online patient account and use this account to sign up for a selected visit at a selected place.
– When it comes to mammography tests, as many as 83 percent of patients chose this form of registration, which proves that it is very necessary – emphasizes Konrad Zaradny, director of the Poznań Center for Specialist Medical Services.
The operation of the pilot program will be assessed in the second half of the year. Then applications, corrections and the appropriate act. – In the coming months, we will add, without a pilot, further services, e.g. neurology, dermatology, rheumatology – says Jakub Gołąb, spokesman for the Ministry of Health.
The Minister of Digital Affairs ensures that access to services and information for patients will be constantly expanded.
– The use of artificial intelligence, databases, algorithms to notify patients about the possibility of disease, notifying patients about the possibilities of diagnosing certain diseases, including the most serious ones, such as oncological ones, is a priority for us – says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski.
All patients will have full access to all medical services – via a computer or phone application – in four years.
Main photo source: TVN24