Self-Scheduling App for Adelante Zorggroep

Description

Luc van Mölken, cluster manager at Audiology & Communication, explains: “We were dealing with a high no-show rate among clients, which affected many aspects of our division, including operations, scheduling and waiting lists. When a client doesn’t show up, a slot is wasted that could have been used by another client. We wanted to tackle this issue proactively rather than dealing with it afterward through complicated processes.” Previously, communication with clients was largely one-sided and conducted via mail. Patients received letters with invitations and confirmations, but had no option to schedule their own appointments. This process was inefficient and led to many missed appointments.

General Information

Business Need: Luc van Mölken, cluster manager at Audiology & Communication, explains: “We were dealing with a high no-show rate among clients, which affected many aspects of our division, including operations, scheduling and waiting lists. When a client doesn’t show up, a slot is wasted that could have been used by another client. We wanted to tackle this issue proactively rather than dealing with it afterward through complicated processes.” Previously, communication with clients was largely one-sided and conducted via mail. Patients received letters with invitations and confirmations, but had no option to schedule their own appointments. This process was inefficient and led to many missed appointments.

Solution: Squad Apps developed the ‘Zelf Plannen’ app within three months using the Mendix platform. This application allows clients to schedule their own appointments, increasing client autonomy and reducing missed appointments. Tom Niesten, director at Adelante Zorggroep, explains: “The key value of the app is that it gives control back to the client. People can decide for themselves when they want to come in. This increases the likelihood that they will actually attend, helping us reduce no-shows. Additionally, it saves us administrative work since appointments no longer need to be scheduled manually.” A crucial feature of the app is its integration with OpenAC, Adelante’s electronic patient record (EPR) system developed by FENAC. The ‘Zelf Plannen’ app continuously retrieves available time slots from the EPR and immediately updates the schedules of healthcare providers with booked appointments. This ensures a streamlined process and efficient scheduling.

Results: Initial feedback on the app has been very positive. Luc van Mölken shares the first insights: “Among clients who have scheduled their own appointments, we have seen a 0% no-show rate so far. That’s an amazing result! We started on a small scale and plan to increase the volume in the coming months for a thorough evaluation. But the initial impressions are very promising.” In addition to reducing no-shows, the app has also contributed to more efficient operations and an improved patient experience. Clients find the app user-friendly and appreciate the flexibility it provides. The ‘Zelf Plannen’ app is a great example of how digital innovations can contribute to more efficient healthcare processes and greater patient engagement. Thanks to the collaboration between Adelante Zorggroep and Squad Apps, a solution has been developed that not only reduces the no-show rate but also eases administrative burdens and enhances the patient experience. Visit www.squad-apps.com for more information about our skills and services.