Table 1.

The Precision Appointment (PrApp) Model

Stage of Radiology Journey	Proposed Features
Prescan	The aim is to pro-actively identify issues that may delay or complicate the scan on the day of the appointment. These can then be addressed up front before the patient arrives in the department. The use of electronic communications saves the patient unnecessary trips to the hospital to sort out these matters. The proposed features include: ▪Initial electronic notification of scan date and time ▪Educational videos on scan procedure ▪Self-administered online prescan safety screening (eg, MRI safety checklist) ▪Tele-consult with radiographer (if needed) to clarify issues highlighted by prescan safety screening ▪Reminder of appointment closer to date of scan (with detailed interactive way-finding instructions, what to do on arrival and who will be attending to you)
Day of scan	The focus shifts from prescan preparation to trying to predict the actual arrival time of the patient as accurately as possible. Patients will be able to update the department about their estimated time of arrival, allowing departments to do real-time adjustments of the actual scan timing. Again, the intent will be to reduce dwell time of patients and their accompanying persons in the department. The proposed features include: ▪Final check for any new scan contra-indications (eg, acute illness that may require postponement of the scan) ▪Patient to update on estimated time of arrival (“I’m on my way” or “I’m late”) ▪Automatic check-in on arrival in hospital (based on location sensors in hospital grounds) ▪Customized welcome pack ready at department patient locker (eg, preselected hospital attire of correct size if the patient needs to change before the scan) ▪Estimated scan end time application (to keep accompanying persons updated on when they can return to the department to fetch the patient, which reduces the need for such accompanying persons to wait at the radiology department) ▪“Scan and go” concept (no need to queue for payment or other administrative matters after the scan; administrative matters will be handled back end)
Postscan	The aim is to provide timely updates to the patient regarding their scan and to facilitate any postscan clarifications that may arise. The proposed features include: ▪Results update (via online patient portal) ▪Tele-consultant with radiologic technologist or radiologist (for follow-up of postscan complications or clarification of scan findings)