eConsult vs PATCHS

What Is eConsult?

eConsult has long been a trusted online consultation platform that allows patients to reach out to their GP practices digitally. Through a structured, symptom-based questionnaire, eConsult gathers detailed information on a patient’s condition, making it easier for GPs to assess symptoms and decide on next steps.

Key Features of eConsult

• Symptom-specific questionnaires: Guides patients through condition-specific questions, creating a clear report for GPs.
• Triage and advice: Offers immediate self-help information or signposts other NHS services if they’re more suitable than a GP visit.
• Efficiency for GPs: Saves time by funneling non-urgent cases away from phone lines.

Downsides of eConsult

While eConsult has been effective for years, users and practices have pointed out some downsides:

• Complexity for patients: The detailed questionnaires can be long and somewhat overwhelming for patients.
• Time constraints: The rigid structure doesn’t allow much flexibility for patients to explain their concerns in their own words.
• Potentially outdated interface: Some practices feel that eConsult’s interface could be more intuitive and user-friendly.
• Appointments and Batch messaging are not included

What Is PATCHS?

PATCHS is the new online consultation system that’s gaining traction across GP practices in place of eConsult. Developed with user feedback in mind, PATCHS aims to make the online consultation experience smoother for both patients and GP staff.

Key Features of PATCHS

• Simple, flexible questions: Patients answer a few open-ended questions, making the process quicker and less overwhelming.
• Accessible and user-friendly: PATCHS offers an interface that’s easy to navigate, even for those less comfortable with technology.
• Improved patient autonomy: Patients can detail their symptoms in their own words, adding as much or as little information as they like.
• Quick GP response: Practices report that PATCHS makes it easier to review requests and follow up faster.

Why Patients Prefer PATCHS

PATCHS was specifically chosen by some GP practices based on patient feedback about eConsult. Here’s what’s driving patients toward PATCHS:

• The primary reason for selecting PATCHS seems to be cost - with some ICBs paying as little as 9p per patient to procure PATCHS
• Reduced stress: No need for long phone queues or complex forms; PATCHS is easy to navigate.
• Convenient, flexible communication: Patients can complete the form at any time, detailing their issues without pressure.
• Faster response times: With a streamlined system, GP practices can triage and respond more quickly than with traditional phone appointments.

Possible Limitations of PATCHS

While PATCHS has its strong points, it may not yet be as widely used or as familiar to some staff as eConsult. Plus, its open-ended form structure might not capture symptoms as thoroughly as eConsult’s targeted questions. Additionally, some feedback indicates that the EMIS and Systm1 integrations are not especially developed.

A Side By Side Comparison

‍

Which Is Better for Your Practice?

If your patients are comfortable with structured forms and you prefer in-depth questionnaires, eConsult may still be a suitable option. However, if simplicity, flexibility, and quick access are priorities, PATCHS could be the better fit. With PATCHS, both patients and GPs seem to benefit from a more streamlined, open-ended approach that saves time and reduces the stress of reaching out for help. Both solutions are regulated as medical devices.

Looking for More Flexibility? Try Hero Health’s Care Navigation Solution

If your practice is exploring more dynamic options, Hero Health’s Care Navigation triage solution could be worth considering. Hero Health’s system offers a highly configurable approach that’s built for adaptability. Here are some standout features:

• Configurable forms: Tailor your consultation forms to meet specific practice needs or patient preferences, capturing essential information with custom prompts.
• Integrated appointment booking: Hero Health allows patients to book appointments directly through the platform, reducing the need for back-and-forth scheduling - this is either by invitation from the practice, or directly at the end of a triage flow
• Seamless integration with EMIS and Systm1: Hero Health’s deep integration with these systems allows for smoother workflow and better data synchronization across GP practices.

Hero Health’s Care Navigation solution not only provides flexibility and efficiency but also enhances the patient experience by combining triage and scheduling in a single, accessible platform.

‍

• Hero Health Care Navigation