Project: Online Appointment Booking
Promote the adoption of electronic solutions enabling patients to book in-person or virtual appointments through self-serve online systems available 24/7.
What is Online Appointment Booking?
Online appointment booking (OAB) solutions enable patients and caregivers to book in-person or virtual appointments through self-serve online systems available 24/7.
Recommended by Ontario Health
Being convenient and beneficial for both primary care providers and patients, Ontario Health recommends and supports the implementation of online appointment booking. As part of the province’s Digital First for Health Strategy, Ontario Health has developed the Online Appointment Booking Standard.
Benefits of OAB for health care providers
- Safe and secure solutions, including patient privacy protection
- Reduced incoming calls leading to improved administration capacity and increased efficiency
- Data availability and digital health record integration
- Automated reminders sent to patients
- Reduced no-show rates
Benefits of OAB for patients and families
- Convenient, 24/7 access to booking options for patients and their designated caregivers
- Automated appointment confirmation and reminders, with appointment details
- Fewer or no phone calls required
- Integration of appointments into personal electronic calendars
- Fully accessible for patients with hearing impairment
The Archipel online appointment booking initiative
Since 2023-24, through approved funding from the Ministry of Health, Archipel has supported clinics and healthcare providers in the adoption of OAB solutions. Archipel's Digital Health Advisory Committee worked on the implementation of this initiative.
This funding is intended to support the transformation of care delivery, assisting Ontario Health Teams and the broader primary health sector to build their digital health maturity.
If you are interested in the Archipel OAB initiative, please send us an email.
Archipel survey results on OAB
After our 2023-24 initiative, we asked patients and participating clinics about their experience with their OAB solution through a survey.
What do patients think?
- 75% of surveyed individuals are generally satisfied with the system
- 78% find the system easy to use
- 72% would recommend using it to friends and family
What do admin support staff in primary care clinics think?
- 79% of surveyed individuals are generally satisfied with the system
- 83% will continue using the system
- 83% report an uninterrupted workflow
Would you like to join the Digital Health Advisory Committee?
Did you know that you can contribute to the advancement of this project and similar initiatives to the benefit of our region's patients and service providers? For more information on the activities of the Digital Health Committee, please visit the page Committees and groups.
