Analysis of the effects of mobile payment in outpatient service / 中华医院管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To learn the applications and patient experience of mobile payment technology as used in the hospital outpatient service.Methods 342 outpatients using mobile technology (APP)were chosen from the hospital information system for survey,and 300 outpatients registering in the conventional process were chosen as a control.Data of the doctor-seeing experiences of the two groups were analyzed statistically.Results Waiting queue reminder function is found with the highest patient usage among the three officially launched APPs,accounting for 83.6%.The appointment and cellphone payment functions exert the greatest impact on patient experience,boasting a patient satisfaction of 90%. All these functions can save totally one hour for an outpatient.Conclusions The mobile payment technology can significantly reduce outpatient waiting time,and improve outpatient experiences.Such technology therefore needs more promotions and connection with medical insurance system for the sake of outpatients.