UHNM introduce PKB questionnaire for NHS Weight Management Programme

Patients from University Hospitals of North Midlands using the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme are being referred quicker thanks to the introduction of questionnaires via the online personal health record system, ‘Patients Know Best’ (PKB).

UHNM was selected as a pilot site for the NHS Digital Weight Management Programme which is designed to help people make healthier eating choices, be more active and lose weight ahead of their elective surgery.

At the beginning of the pilot, too much administrative time was taken to manage referrals by calling each patient to explain the programme and collect their information.

To find a solution, UHNM has used PKB’s functionality to send notifications to patients to make them aware of a potential referral. By completing a short questionnaire, patients were able to give their consent to the programme and be asked for height and weight measurements when needed.  Eligible patients will now be identified instantly into the process and checks will be conducted immediately for a timely and early automated referral to the service.

This way of contacting patients via PKB using existing technology, resulted in more patients being refereed quicker, and over 64 days of administrative work saved.  

Heidi Poole, Deputy Director of IM&T added: “It’s great to see our teams drive original innovative uses of our tools to drive effective processes and improve services for patients.”

Dr Hinesh Patel, Consultant Anaesthetist and Clinical Lead for Adult Pre-AMS said: “The programme provides support to our patients to help with weight loss prior to elective surgery undergoing particular procedures as part of the pilot.  I would like to thank everyone involved.”