[New method to regulate unscheduled urgent care : the ODISSEE interactive self-triage platform]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare management
• Digital health innovation
• Patient flow optimization

Background:

• Unscheduled urgent care systems face significant patient inflows, often exceeding resource capacity.
• Technological advancements and increased medical information necessitate adaptive strategies for healthcare delivery.
• Effective regulation of unscheduled care is crucial for optimizing resource allocation across different care levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the ODISSEE mobile application for patient self-triage to the most appropriate level of care.
• To explore the potential of interactive platforms in improving the regulation of unscheduled urgent care.
• To leverage existing validated protocols for a new digital health solution.

Main Methods:

• Development of the ODISSEE (Outil Décisionnel et Informatif des Structures de Soins Efficientes Existantes) mobile application.
• Utilizing protocols based on the previously validated SALOMON (Système Algorithmique Liégeois d'Orientation pour la Médecine Omnipraticienne Nocturne) algorithm.
• Implementing an interactive platform for patient self-assessment and guidance.

Main Results:

• The ODISSEE app facilitates patient self-triage, directing them to the optimal care pathway.
• The platform is built upon a robust, validated algorithm with a proven track record.
• The study highlights the potential for digital tools to manage demand in unscheduled care settings.

Conclusions:

• Interactive self-triage platforms like ODISSEE show promise for enhancing the regulation of unscheduled urgent care.
• This approach can help alleviate pressure on emergency departments and primary care services.
• Digital health solutions offer a scalable method for improving patient navigation within healthcare systems.