In the bustling world of healthcare, where appointments are constantly being scheduled and rescheduled, it might seem like a minor detail to secure patient consent before they even step through your door. However, this seemingly small step carries significant weight, impacting everything from patient trust and efficient clinic flow to legal compliance.

We understand that patient-centred care is paramount. A cornerstone of this philosophy is informed consent. While the traditional consent process often happens just before a procedure or treatment, obtaining it pre-appointment offers a wealth of benefits that can transform the patient experience and streamline your practice.

Building Trust and Respect from the Outset

Imagine receiving a clear, concise explanation of a proposed treatment or consultation, including potential costs and privacy considerations, before you've even committed to the appointment. This proactive approach immediately signals respect for the patient's autonomy and their right to make informed decisions. It eliminates any surprises or rushed discussions in the waiting room, fostering a sense of trust and transparency from the very beginning.

Lyrebird has partnered with Better Consult by Healthshare. Reclaim consultation time by capturing patient consent in advance, eliminating the need during the consultation. This time-saving tool is free for Bp Premier customers. Find out more.

Enhancing Patient Education and Preparation

Pre-appointment consent isn't just about ticking a box; it's an opportunity for crucial patient education. By providing information beforehand, patients have the time to:

• Review and understand: They can digest the details at their own pace, perhaps discussing them with family or doing their own research.
• Ask questions: Patients can come prepared with specific questions, leading to more productive and efficient consultations.
• Prepare for the appointment: Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and ensure patients are adequately prepared, whether it's regarding fasting instructions, bringing relevant documents, or understanding potential recovery times.

Improving Clinic Efficiency and Reducing Delays

Think about the time saved when patients arrive at their appointment already understanding the general scope of their visit and having provided their consent for basic procedures or information sharing. This significantly reduces:

• Administrative burden: Staff spend less time explaining routine procedures and obtaining signatures upon arrival.
• Appointment delays: No more last-minute questions or consent discussions holding up the schedule.
• Rescheduling: If a patient realizes pre-appointment that they are not comfortable with certain aspects, it allows for timely discussion and potential adjustments, preventing cancellations or dissatisfaction later.

Strengthening Legal and Ethical Compliance

From a legal standpoint, robust pre-appointment consent procedures are invaluable. They demonstrate a commitment to ethical practice and can protect your clinic in several ways:

• Clear documentation: A documented record of consent obtained before the appointment provides strong evidence of informed decision-making.
• Reduced risk of disputes: When expectations are set and agreed upon beforehand, the likelihood of misunderstandings or disputes decreases significantly.
• Adherence to regulations: Many healthcare regulations emphasize the importance of informed consent, and a pre-appointment process helps ensure consistent compliance.

How to Implement Effective Pre-Appointment Consent

Implementing pre-appointment consent doesn't have to be complex. Secure platforms where patients can review information, ask questions, and digitally sign consent forms.

BetterConsult: Free for Bp Premier Customers!

This integration is available for all BetterConsult customers. And if you're a Bp Premier user, you can access BetterConsult for free, making this a truly accessible solution for enhancing your practice.

We're excited about this partnership and the positive impact it will have on clinics, clinicians, and most importantly, patients. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate for better healthcare experiences.

Get set up with patient consent for Lyrebird Health in BetterConsult by filling out this form. A team member from BetterConsult will be in contact with you shortly. 

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