OneAdvanced's Patchs product is used in 600 NHS GP sites - but it is time to look at alternatives
In recent years, PATCHS has gained significant traction in NHS GP practices as an online consultation platform. The solution was initially developed in an academic setting, before partnering with Advanced to sell into the NHS. Advanced had great success selling the product, generally at a very, very low price - and subsequently bought the platform for a rumoured £1M.
With its straightforward design and flexible, open-ended questionnaires, PATCHS aims to simplify the patient experience while streamlining GP workflows. But does it deliver everything your practice needs? Enter Hero Health, a comprehensive care navigation and booking solution that goes beyond just online consultations and delivers across messaging, appointment booking and triage. Hero Health is quickly becoming a go-to solution for practices looking to modernize and optimize their patient engagement.
So, how do these two platforms stack up? Let’s dive in.
At their core, both Hero Health and PATCHS aim to improve patient access to care while reducing administrative burden for GP practices. Here are a few features they share:
While they share some common ground, the differences between these platforms are where the decision really gets interesting.
PATCHS: PATCHS provides a simple, open-ended questionnaire that patients complete to describe their symptoms. The chatbot style interface seems relatively popular with patients, although there are limited options for patients to sign-in. The PATCHS tool offers some level of configurability, but as a regulated Medical Device, it isn't entirely flexible.
Hero Health: Hero Health’s configurable Care Navigation system is a game-changer for practices wanting to better utilise local services. Practices can design custom triage pathways tailored to their unique needs, integrating external services such as their PCN hubsite or commissioned therapeutics, asking specific questions, and setting direct appointment booking access to certain slots. This flexibility ensures that patients are directed to the right care the first time, saving time for everyone involved.
PATCHS: PATCHS offers a limited self-booking functionality through their messaging solution.
Hero Health: At Hero, we see the appointment workflow as a vital opportunity to simplify practice administration. Through Hero you can invite patients to self-book, by sending messages or batch messages to patients, or you can book on behalf of a patient through the Hero interface. But beyond this, you can also make certain appointment slot types available directly online via your website - but with the addition of restrictions based on age and gender, and intake forms to capture structured relevant information from the patient when booking. Hero also supports cross-organizational booking, ideal for practices working within PCNs or hubs.
PATCHS: PATCHS prioritizes simplicity with open-ended questions, making it quick for patients to complete. However, this approach can sometimes result in insufficient detail for clinical triage, leading to back-and-forth communication.
Hero Health: Hero aims to balance simplicity and thoroughness. Patients can complete short, focused forms or provide detailed responses, depending on the questions that the practice has configured. If the level of detail that patients are providing is insufficient, the practice can require further information be included or can add additional questions.
PATCHS: PATCHS is marketed as a cost-effective solution, with some commissioners securing it for as little as 9p per patient at an ICB level. However, the platform lacks some advanced functionality like integrated booking or configurable triage, which can lead to hidden costs in staff time and additional tools.
Hero Health: Offers a transparent pricing model at 45p per patient per year for practices, covering messaging, triage, and booking. With Hero, you’re not just paying for a consultation tool—you’re getting a full care navigation platform that reduces admin workload and improves efficiency across the board.
When comparing the two platforms, it’s clear that Hero Health offers more robust functionality tailored to modern practice needs.
PATCHS is limited to static, open-ended forms. Hero Health empowers practices to build bespoke triage workflows, integrating local services and tailoring questions to suit their patients.
While PATCHS stops at consultation, Hero Health takes things further with seamless **appointment booking**, reducing back-and-forth communication and improving patient satisfaction.
PATCHS may appear cheaper upfront, but Hero Health’s advanced functionality saves practices significant time and money in the long run by reducing admin workload and improving efficiency.
For PCNs and hub sites, Hero Health’s cross-organizational booking capabilities are invaluable. PATCHS simply doesn’t offer this level of integration.
Both PATCHS and Hero Health are solid options for practices looking to modernize their workflows, but the choice ultimately depends on your priorities:
Hero Health’s flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and focus on end-to-end workflows make it the ideal choice for practices looking to save time, reduce costs, and improve patient access.
Want to see how Hero Health can transform your practice? Click the Get Started button now and let us show you what’s possible.
