Two of our ED consultants, Amjid Mohammed and Andy Lockey, are suggesting that in the future, patients could help with their own care while they are waiting in ED.

In a co-written article published in the Emergency Medicine Journal, they have proposed that waiting patients could put the time to good use and start their care journey off by inputting their own details into their phones, or a loaned device, so that when they see the doctor all their information is already available and in one place, reducing the need for multiple repeats.

They say: “The patient is central to the care we provide in the ED. Rather than assuming that patients are completely passive recipients of care, we propose that if the patient is able, willing and has the time to contribute to their own care, then we can use this opportunity to improve care, improve safety, and reduce costs.”

They also say the time could be used to share lifestyle and medical information with them so they are better informed about their condition and can ask questions when they see the doctor.                                                                                               

Amjid said: “One of the lessons I’ve learnt is to remain flexible. I think if you have this rigid view of “I’m going to do this pathway and that’s all I’m going to do”, then you’re not really allowing yourself to see what the technology can achieve for you and your patients.”

Well done to Amjid and Andy on their thought-provoking publication.