Radiotherapy patients to check in themselves with new touch-screen kiosk
Patients can now check themselves in for radiotherapy appointments with the launch of a new touch-screen kiosk.
The South West Wales Cancer Centre is one of the busiest in the UK, with more than 2,000 patients visiting in 2022. Radiotherapy often involves numerous visits, with the typical number of check-ins for a course of treatment between five and 32. The department has on average 30 new patients starting each week.
The high volume of appointments is time-consuming for both patients and staff to manage, so the new check-in system, which also directs patients to the appropriate waiting area, takes away some of the pressure.
Christopher Rose, Head of Radiotherapy Physics IT said: “Our previous barcode system was aging, causing disruptions, and consuming staff resources. We knew it was time for a more reliable, patient-friendly approach.
“With over 35,000 check-ins every year we had to address the downtime issues. The new system will also afford us the opportunity to now include CT patients for the first time and completely streamline our process.”
The touch-screen kiosk directly integrates with Elekta’s MOSAIQ, which manages the treatment of cancer patients, and is used in radiotherapy departments worldwide.
The integration ensures patients’ queuing data and appointments are synchronized in real time, reducing administrative pressure and enhancing the overall patient journey. Both Welsh and English check-in options are available.
The new kiosk system was developed entirely in-house by the Radiotherapy Physics IT team.
Ian Davies, Radiotherapy IT Systems Manager said, “We wanted to introduce a system that was patient focused and easy to use.
“Patients in Wales may already be familiar with self-service screens, as they have become a common site in GP offices across the region. We felt that this familiarity would help our cancer patients feel more comfortable and at ease when using our radiotherapy touch screen kiosk to check in for treatment.”
The touch screen kiosk promises savings to radiotherapy staff time, freeing people up to other important work, as well as improving the overall well-being of patients.
Dean Fyfield, Assistant Radiotherapy IT system Manager said, "The touch screen kiosk is one of several projects that we are currently working on with the aim of enhancing the patient journey. Not only are we considering usability, we are also looking at sustainability as the new system gives our patients the autonomy to check-in without the need of appointment letters."
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.