Spreading the word about the MUHC’s new digital platform
The MUHC Referral Portal launched to great fanfare at the Montreal General Hospital on Wednesday, April 9. Staff from the Appointment and Referral Centre (ARC) happily gathered to tell people visiting the hospital about the new online platform and explain how it works.
Groups of four set up at the Cedar Avenue and Livingston entrances on both Wednesday and Thursday morning. Promotional cards were handed out, refreshments served, and demonstrations given. The on-site teams even had the opportunity to help one patient send in her consultation request right on the spot!
“The portal makes it easier to request a first appointment with a specialist,” explains ARC Manager Shari Beharry. “Fill out the form online. Upload your referral. No more faxing needed!”
Positive feedback from patients
“The fillable form was a big hit,” says Amalia Romero. “Like a lot of other forms online, it auto populates with the information from your device. That makes it very quick!”
“We spoke with quite a few people accompanying older family members to appointments, and they are really excited about the online platform,” says Shari. “They told us that it will be so much simpler than running from one place to another, faxing papers and wondering if the referral got to where it was being sent.” With the new Referral Portal, a confirmation message is sent by email to the sender saying the consultation request has been received. A ticket number is assigned to the request, too.
“The people who stopped by really appreciated learning about the new online platform and the time we took to explain it to them,” says Caterina Pennimpede. “And the coffee and cookie warmed them up!”
The MUHC Referral Portal promotional cards, with the web address and a QR code right on them, are so practical!
Positive experience for staff
“It was great to meet some of our users in person and have the chance to teach them about the Referral Portal which will make at least one step in their healthcare journey easier,” says Manal Boutchich.
“People often say that trying to get a medical appointment anywhere can be a frustrating experience,” says Stavroula Kanavros. “I was happy to show them how the MUHC is turning negatives into positives!”
The Referral Portal is rolling out gradually site-by-site across the MUHC. Right now, it is available at the Lachine Hospital, The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) and the MGH. It is scheduled to deploy at the Glen site and the Montreal Children’s Hospital in the coming months.
It was a pleasure working with our team. I felt we were making a difference.
I loved the whole experience.