Canada
United Kingdom
The East Lancashire Trust’s adoption of a new philosophy supported by a Digital Front Door to the ED represents a transformative shift in emergency department operations, yielding tangible benefits for both patients and medical staff. This initiative streamlines the patient triage and appointment booking process through the use of NHS England’s Streamer and Strata PathWays ED platform, reducing wait times and optimizing clinical resource management.
One of the most significant outcomes of this digital transformation is the reduction in the number of patients waiting in the emergency department by 48%, with 53% of patients spending less time overall. This improvement is directly linked to the trust’s innovative model, which allows patients with non-urgent needs to leave the hospital and return later at a scheduled time. As a result, patients avoid prolonged waits in crowded environments, enhancing their overall experience.
From the perspective of healthcare professionals, the system ensures that the right clinician attends to the right patient at the right time. This targeted approach not only improves the quality of care but also fosters a more manageable and less stressful work environment. The efficiency gains are substantial, with 263 clinical hours saved over a two-month period. Additionally, the digital triage process is swift, enabling patients to be assessed and booked within five minutes of arrival.
Clint Schick, Strata Health UK’s founder commented, “East Lancashire Trust’s Digital Front Door initiative exemplifies the power of digital innovation in healthcare. By leveraging technology to enhance both patient experience and operational efficiency, the trust has set a benchmark for modern, patient-centered care delivery. This model not only benefits individuals seeking treatment but also contributes to the well-being and productivity of healthcare professionals, ultimately strengthening the overall healthcare system and assuring the sustainability of the NHS”.
