Brightshores Health Systems is offering what it calls "faster, easier check-ins" at two local emergency departments.
According to a media release, Brightshores is introducing "new digital technology in the Southampton and Owen Sound Emergency Departments (ED), which will make the triage process faster, easier, and more efficient."
Brightshores and the newly founded Brightshores Research Institute (BRI) are partnering with EmergConnect, a Canadian company that will introduce a "digital triage process that assesses and prioritizes patients based on the severity of their condition and the urgency of care they require," according to the media release.
Basically, patients can use a personal device or access a tablet in the emergency department to use EmergConnect and speed up the process. Before seeing a triage nurse, patients can use the app to record their symptoms, share relevant medical information and history, and the severity of their condition.
Estimated wait times are also provided through the EmergConnect app.
"With this tool, patients can contribute important information in advance to help our team make informed decisions quickly," said Rebecca Wuerth-Sarvis, Brightshores Owen Sound Emergency Department Manager. "This new digital application will also support our staff to spend more time caring for patients."
"This new process will help an increased number of patients move through the ED more smoothly while also supporting our staff in delivering high-quality care," added Melissa Wnuk, Manager of the Brightshores Southampton ED. "Using the app enhances the triage process by providing the triage nurse with important patient information to support their clinical assessment."
Patients who cannot or do not wish to use the EmergConnect app can share their information directly with a triage nurse when they arrive at the ED.
"We want to support patients in being more informed and healthcare workers having more time to care for patients directly," shared Neil MacLean, Executive Director of BRI. "We’re interested in seeing how this technology impacts the patient and staff experiences and identifying potential opportunities to adopt this technology at other hospitals in Canada."