P02.02 Another digi-gap! integrating multifaceted triaging approaches to assist and speed technological transition to electronic medical documentation and booking systems

Abstract

Introduction Recognising and harnessing cultural and technological shifts in both client and healthcare provider arenas are crucial to optimising clinic wide responses to STI education and care. As methods of client-to-service engagement evolve, healthcare providers and their documentation systems must change as well. This is crucial to optimising clinical care and interaction for potential sexual health clients, especially when incorporating mandatory area health service and ministry directives into daily practice. Northern Sydney Sexual Health Service (NSSHS) triage has long allowed for telephone and walk-in enquiries. NSSHS has modified the existing service website to allow for online booking enquiries. This allows a potential patient to perform basic selftriage while engaging with sexual health services in a safe, nonconfronting manner. At the same time, this reduces telephone wait times for clients and improves engagement. Results 75% of all website enquiries are appropriate for Clinic 16 services. A significant increase in appointments made via our website enquiry system for priority populations has occurred since initiation in November 2014, including with men who have sex with men (MSM) and youth. By improving our priority population engagement, there is a marked improvement in Occasions of Services and a projected improvement in Activity Based Funding (ABF) capture via the new electronic medical record system, Community Health and Outpatient Care system (CHOC). Conclusion By integrating a multi-platform approach to patient engagement, NSSHS is growing to fit client needs while incorporating Local Health District and Ministry of Health mandated electronic medical record changes. This improves ABF capture, patient documentation and above all, improves engagement of priority populations with sexual health services.