MINNEAPOLIS (December 20, 2022) — Allina Health has introduced a new tool that makes it easier to navigate the emergency department. Called ERAdvisor, it is an innovative, web-based application that provides patients with real-time information about their expected wait time from their arrival at the Emergency Department and throughout their visit. Allina Health is the only health care system in Minnesota to use ERAdvisor.
“Allina Health understands the importance of the patient wait time experience and recently began to pioneer ways to make sure that patients feel more informed and more in control during their wait for care,” said Dr. Daniel O’Laughlin, lead emergency department physician at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. “One of the ways that we have addressed this is by implementing a new digital solution called ‘ERAdvisor’ at our metro Emergency Departments.”
ERAdvisor from Vital Software is now operational at Allina Health’s Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, and WestHealth Emergency Room, Plymouth. ERAdvisor will also be used at United Hospital, St. Paul, Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids, and Mercy Hospital - Unity Campus, Fridley, in mid-January.
ERAdvisor uses artificial intelligence, trends, and real-time data from Allina Health’s electronic health record system to provide patients with a personalized wait time estimate for their visit. For example, an 80-year-old experiencing shortness of breath will have a shorter wait time estimate than a 21-year-old with a sprained ankle. Patients can also choose to share their high-level ED visit status with loved ones in a way that is similar to other consumer apps, like Uber’s share your ride feature.
Initial patient feedback to this new digital solution has been overwhelmingly positive with patients sharing that, “Your new communication method using texts to keep me up to date on wait time, what to expect, etc. is so wonderful!” Another patient said, “I like the new patient update messages so you have an idea of when you'll be called in.”
It’s simplistic design and easy navigation allows Allina Health’s emergency department teams can focus more time on what they do best — providing exceptional care to patients.
“We’re delighted to be able to provide better information to patients and their families about wait times and what to expect. Being innovative and having the ability for patients to share their healthcare journey with their loved ones is one way Allina delivers whole person care,” said Abbott Northwestern’s Emergency Department patient care manager, Lucas Laue. “We know that when patients feel informed, they feel more empowered and have more control of their medical care during their visit. Better information means a better visit.”
In addition to improving the patient experience, ERAdvisor has also reduced the time care team members spend answering routine questions from patients, such as ‘how long will I have to wait?
About Vital
Vital Software is a modern digital health company that transforms the patient and staff experience during an emergency department visit and inpatient stay. Using artificial intelligence and natural language processing, Vital’s solutions make it easier to communicate and engage patients, improve patient satisfaction, elevate staff efficiency, and keep patients in-network. Founded by Mint.com creator Aaron Patzer (@apatzer), and Emory Emergency Physician Dr. Justin Schrager, Vital is HIPAA-compliant, and a cloud-based software that sits on top of any existing electronic health record system: Epic, Cerner, Meditech, and more.
Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.