High-tech kiosks to assess RVH patients

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ont. (CTV NEWS/MIKE ARSALIDES)

Checking in at the E.R. just went high-tech.

A self-serve kiosk has been installed in Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre's (RVH) emergency department in an attempt to streamline the check-in process.

"This is only the beginning when it comes to utilizing this technology, and we envision enhancements and further integrations to continue improving patient flow, patient experience and positively impacting emergency department wait times," said Ray Howald, RVH emergency department manager.

New patients arriving at RVH's emergency department can now scan their health card, input details of their health issue and receive a numbered ticket from one of the kiosks located inside the doors.

The information is automatically integrated into the hospital's electronic medical record system, and becomes available on computer for triage nurses to see who is in the waiting room in real-time.

Before even speaking to a patient, nurses will identify people with the most acute or high-risk conditions to ensure their visit with a physician is prioritized.

Hospital staff believe this will create a greater level of patient privacy. When a patient is called, first by the triage nurse and second by the registration clerk, they will be identified by their kiosk ticket number instead of their name. That number is also flashed on wall-mounted screens with instructions on where to go next.

Emergency department staff will be on-hand to assist with the new kiosks Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outside of those times; the registration clerk will be available to assist.