Telemedicine: Potential impact of the future improved accessibility and waiting list to HGH Sleep Clinics through overbooking strategy, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar

Abstract

Figures

Full text

Background

The Qatar Ambulatory Pulmonary sleep disorder Clinic is implementing a new approach to managing patient flow by integrating telemedicine follow-up and overbooking strategies^1^ to optimize technology and operational efficiency, ensure timely consultations, and improve patient experience. The hotline service will also be established to optimize clinic efficiency, improve resource utilization, and minimize waiting time for suboptimal diagnostic and therapeutic sleep tests. Telemedicine has become a transformative force in healthcare.^2^

Methods

A multidisciplinary team was formed to review the clinic's current practices and identify barriers to patient flow. A strategy was chosen to integrate overbooking and telemedicine follow-up (Figure 1). Staff education and training were also provided. The team collaborated with HMC NASMAK to evaluate patient feedback and improve the patient experience. They also communicated with clinical informatics team to create encounters, improve electronic communications, and manage appointment systems. Monthly data collection was conducted to evaluate clinical performance and update practice.

Results/Findings

Telemedicine usage is predicted to enhance care quality and reduce healthcare spending by 32%, boosting patient satisfaction, community trust, and teamwork, thereby reducing hospital resource burden and costs (Figure 2).

Conclusion/Recommendations

The overbooking strategy, combined with telemedicine, can help streamline virtual appointments and ensure efficient use of healthcare professionals' time, ultimately reducing waiting times and improving accessibility for patients seeking sleep-related healthcare services.

Conflict of Interest

No conflict of interest.