Oct 8, 2024
Dutch hospital SMK has introduced a fully digital pre-operative screening pathway, replacing a fragmented, paper-based process with one integrated questionnaire. Previously, seven separate questionnaires were sent by mail or completed during consultations, often leading to confusion for patients and a response rate of around 55%. By consolidating these into one structured digital flow, SMK has significantly improved clarity, efficiency, and completion rates—now reaching 97%.
From Fragmentation to One Clear Digital Flow
The new approach combines seven pre-operative questionnaires into a single digital screening pathway. Instead of receiving multiple forms at different moments, patients now complete one structured questionnaire with clear explanations. Through the use of smart logic and knockout questions, the number of questions is reduced from approximately 200 to 57—and in some cases patients only need to answer five. The result is a much clearer process with significantly less time required.
A Better Experience for Patients
Patients no longer receive loose paper forms or unclear repeat requests. The screening is accessible directly through the patient portal, offering a clear digital overview and structured guidance. Confusion has been reduced, and the streamlined process creates a more reassuring and user-friendly experience before surgery.
More Efficient and Better-Prepared Consultations
For healthcare professionals, all relevant screening data is now available in structured dashboards within the EHR. Because patients complete questionnaires calmly at home, data quality has improved. Consultations are shorter, more focused, and better prepared, with fewer unnecessary hospital visits. The coordinated approach across departments also ensures alignment in questionnaire content and central storage of data, making it reusable across multiple EHR locations.
Operational and Administrative Impact
The digital pathway has eliminated paper handling and manual data entry, leading to substantial savings on postage costs—estimated at €4,000 to €5,000 per 1,000 patients. The improved response rate (from 52–55% to 97%) significantly reduces follow-up calls, as each non-response previously required an average of three reminders. Incoming calls caused by confusion have also decreased considerably.
Sustainable and Future-Proof Implementation
From an IT perspective, the solution required minimal implementation time and limited internal capacity. The installation was straightforward and integrates seamlessly with existing EHR systems. There was no need for costly customization projects, and the solution is built on sustainable EHDS and FHIR Structured Data Capture (SDC) standards, ensuring secure, future-proof interoperability aligned with the highest privacy requirements.
