MUSING – Where-Oh-Where Is My Clinic and My Doctor?
The recent launch of ShopKick iPhone app (application) allows stores to know when you ( a potential customer) has arrived in their store. Furthermore, your iPhone can then alert you to selected bargains you may be likely to purchase. It can also keep track of how long you shop, on which isle. Now imagine this app being used in the labyrinth of a hospital. No more lost patients and late appointments.
Recent data suggests that getting scheduled patients into clinics on time could improve the overall efficiency of hospital outpatient productivity and save millions of dollars annually. In order for the ShopKick app to work, stores have to install an ultrasonic (above the human hearing range) signaling device that your cell phone can hear. The cell phone then alerts the store that you have arrived. By preventing your identification information to be sent out, the system maintains anonymity of the shopper. However, in hospitals, there might be an advantage of securely sending out your medical record number and any current updates to your medications or health status. Not only will you be in the right place at the right time, but the clinic will be better equipped to treat your specific health issue in an efficient manner.