Automated patient self-scheduling: case study

J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2022 Aug 16;29(9):1637-1641. doi: 10.1093/jamia/ocac087.

Abstract

This case study assesses the uptake, user characteristics, and outcomes of automated self-scheduling in a community-based physician group affiliated with an academic health system. We analyzed 1 995 909 appointments booked between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2021 at more than 30 practice sites. Over the study period, uptake of self-scheduling increased from 4% to 15% of kept appointments. Younger, commercially insured patients were more likely to be users. Missed appointments were lower and cancelations were higher for self-scheduled patients. An examination of characteristics, benefits, and usage of automated self-scheduling provides insight to those organizations contemplating the implementation or expansion of similar consumer-facing digital self-scheduling platforms.

Keywords: ambulatory; appointment; digital health; scheduling; self-scheduling.

MeSH terms

  • Appointments and Schedules*
  • Humans