Innovation in Medical Appointment Management
Víctor Pedrera, deputy secretary general of the State Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM), raises new perspectives in the management of medical appointments, highlighting the importance of optimizing the time and resources of health professionals.
Under the motto ‘request cotton’, Pedrera highlights the urgency of addressing consultations efficiently, suggesting that the reasons for a medical appointment can be more than simple physical concerns, and can also affect the patient’s mood and productivity.
The Challenge of ‘Improper’ Consultations
Pedrera identifies two fundamental problems in the dynamics of medical consultations: ‘inappropriate’ appointments and patient absences.
It emphasizes the need to implement effective initiatives, such as triage in Primary Care, inspired by Emergency service models, with the aim of prioritizing consultations according to their real urgency.
It proposes the creation of a validation system to avoid misuse of health services, where qualified professionals can discern the urgency of the consultation and direct the patient appropriately.
Focus on Efficiency and Education
According to Pedrera, many walk-in consultations are related to bureaucratic issues rather than real medical needs. He suggests that administrative staff could assist the patient in preparing for their visit, thus minimizing waiting times and unnecessary efforts.
To address patient absences, Pedrera proposes different approaches, including the possibility of financial ‘punishments’. However, he recognizes that these measures may not be viable in all contexts, proposing alternatives such as patients signing responsibility documents.
International Perspectives: the French Case
In France, the government is considering fines of five euros for patients who fail to attend medical appointments without prior notice. This measure, aimed at reducing barriers to access to medical care, reflects international attention towards the efficient management of health services.
The French proposal proposes a model where patients assume responsibility for their attendance at medical consultations, promoting greater awareness about the importance of punctuality and respect for health services.
In conclusion, initiatives to improve efficiency in healthcare are gaining attention internationally, reflecting the need to address common challenges in appointment management and patient attendance.
