The benefit of self-service kiosks is that multiple interactive terminals can be deployed, at safe distances apart to reduce the transmission of viruses, so that queues are significantly reduced.

The time taken to complete an initial assessment is significantly reduced by self-service. eConsult’s software was trialled in Queen Mary’s Sidcup and a study found that 99% of patients arriving at the hospital underwent the initial screening within 15 minutes, whilst 85% were able to complete the process in less than 5 minutes.

The digital triage software and patient check-in systems can assess the severity of the patient’s condition and prioritise their care accordingly. Life-threatening injuries and illness are highly prioritised and can be ‘fast-tracked’ to emergency care, whilst minor injuries that are not critical can be down prioritised to allow for immediate care to those who most need it. This is far more effective than the ‘first-come, first served basis’ that has previously operated.

Highly contagious cases can be quickly identified and notification can be sent to administer immediate quarantine to help keep staff and other patients safe.

Shorter queues reduces the overall waiting time. Healthcare kiosks with digital triage software systems can identify if patients should seek more appropriate care elsewhere. If the patient does not immediately need to be seen by a healthcare professional, they may be referred to their GP instead of seeking emergency care. Less serious cases may require a phone call to 111, rather than A&E. Mild illness can be diagnosed and advice and/or medication could be prescribed.

With medical kiosks filtering patients by their specific needs, the patient receives the most appropriate care and, in turn, there is less strain on the emergency departments. Thus, reducing waiting times.