Clinical Systems

So you're thinking about going paperless and wandering what clinical systems there are out there or which one to use. I've found there isn't one system for everyone, and although i'm biased (I always tell people about the one I use) I've provided below a list of well known practice software/clinical systems that are used in the podiatry and foot health practitioner world further down this article. 

But first, what I love about clinical systems is that they have so many features that really benefit me, by saving me time and less mistakes. When I used paper notes I found myself frequently trying to work out what i had written in my diary and assessments forms, which was not good for me, the client or another professional who may need to read my notes in an emergency situation!

Clinical systems hold client records, provide a booking system, enables effective and efficient communication by SMS text messaging, video calls and emails,  online booking,  Assessment forms and many other features that help any foot health business run smoothly and efficiently. One of the great and maybe overlooked perk of a clinical system/software is the finance and reports feature which utilises invoicing, KPI's and the analytics of a foot health business.

Most if not all practice software companies allow a free trial, so you can try before you buy. You can personalise it, build up your assessment forms or use the pre-made ones on the system. If you decide to continue with the software and become a paying customer at the end of the trail, everything you created is saved (you are usually given warnings when your trial will end).  

Clinical systems can cost as little as £15 a month depending on which subscription you purchase.

Some clinical systems are cloud /web based, meaning you do not need to download the software onto your computer or handheld device. Here is more information if you want a thorough read.

How does it work for domiciliary visits?

Most clinical systems have an app that you can download onto your handheld device such as your mobile phone, iPad or tablet, this makes it accessible to those who are domiciliary Foot health practitioners.  

Clinical systems on a mobile device can use data to access the internet, as Wifi alone is not always reliable. There are iPads or tablets which are 4G, meaning they can take a sim card. With this, you can use your data from your provider to get the most out of your clinical system when out and about.

Features that I use:

• Pre-appointment forms that clients fill out online before their appointments which is then submitted back to me automatically saving me time without paperwork during an appointment.
• Consent forms that clients read and sign before or during their appointments.
• Clinical SOAP Notes that I can create and simplify to reduce time.
• Assessments forms (as above)
• Appointment confirmations (automated), once I book a client into a slot, they will automatically receive a text and/or email of the appointment date and time as well as any other message I want to include.
• Appointment reminders (automated) that I usually send a few days before my clients appointments which my clients appreciate and value.
• Tasks list to keep myself on track of the things I need to do or follow up which can also be client assigned.
• Finance section to create invoices, collate earnings for a selected measured time frame
• Performance reports (income trends, clients specifics, finance etc)

...and so much more. 

I think having a clinical system has really up'd my game and helped me to make less mistakes on my notes as well as become more efficient, organised and client friendly.