Patient Booking System reaches one-million milestone
In 2021, the Saskatchewan Health Authority was tasked with delivering COVID-19 vaccine to Saskatchewan people and created an online booking system for people to book their vaccine appointments where and when they most desired.
The SHA’s Digital Health team delivered that patient-centred system – the Patient Booking System (PBS) – in record time. Launched March 11, it underwent continual improvement based on public feedback. On October 5, influenza vaccine bookings were added and bookings for COVID-19 tests were included from November 30, 2021 to February 7, 2022.
The system has now surpassed one million appointments booked. Since launch to now, 76 per cent of appointments have been made using the PBS online by the public, while the remainder have been booked by SHA staff.
"This project has been challenging, yet very rewarding to work on. It has been incredible to see how our work on the Patient Booking System has impacted our communities and the people of Saskatchewan,” noted Caitlin Hanson, analyst with SHA Digital Health.
Hanson is one of 34 people who have supported the PBS since its inception. Currently there are two teams of four supporting the PBS’s day-to-day operations and improvements.
“Our team has played an outstanding role with implementing the Patient Booking System,” noted Erica Pederson, acting Executive Director of Digital Health. “The development and launch team worked so hard to get the site ready, and our support teams have really done an amazing job of keeping the Patient Booking System working well ever since. We are proud of the contributions we have made to the pandemic response and the teams we get to work alongside in every corner of the province.”
“I don’t think we can overstate the impact this system has had on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine in Saskatchewan,” said Michelle Mula, acting Vice President - Infrastructure, Information and Support for the SHA. “It has easily allowed clients around the province to book an appointment to receive a vaccine with the SHA – or later, to book a COVID-19 test – where and when they desired. That it was able to be created and launched so quickly is a testament to the knowledge and skill of the team that developed it, and the importance that was placed on it by the health-care system as a whole. I’m extremely proud of this team, and what they’ve been able to do with this system.”
Appointments are now available on the Patient Booking System for fourth dose boosters for Saskatchewan residents 70 years and older. Others eligible for fourth dose boosters, including all residents of First Nations communities and the Northern Service Administration District 50 years and older, can call SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) to book an appointment.
