What is PATCHS?

Gwynneth Derere
Gwynneth Derere
  • Updated

PATCHS is a next-generation online and video consultation system

Online consultation systems have been around for a while, but have so far had limited impact on primary care.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, all GP practices are expected to have an online consultation system, and NHS England recommends they should be used for all initial patient contacts to reduce the spread of the virus.

Unfortunately, a rush to adopt online consultation systems in response to COVID-19 has left many GP practices with outdated solutions that are unable to deliver value.

These systems provide a poor user experience, and can actually increase GP practice workload. Problems with existing online consultation systems include:

  • Poor design making them difficult to use for both patients and staff, which can cause low uptake.
  • Unconstrained patient demand increasing workload and overwhelming GP practice staff.
  • Lack of integration with clinical systems meaning consultation reports must be manually filed.
  • Missing functionality such as automated triage, LTC questionnaires, appointment booking, and language translation. 

How is PATCHS different?

PATCHS addresses the problems of other online consultation systems through its:
  • Simple design giving a great user experience (rated 4.1 out of 5* over 500k reviews).
  • Safe and effective triage system with AI-powered signposting and workflow automation to control patient demand.
  • Clinical system integration allows PATCHS requests, codes and comments to be saved easily to the clinical system.
  • Complete functionality allowing you to conduct patient consultations entirely online and effectively manage in-person appointments.

How does PATCHS work?GP_flow.png

  1. Patients access PATCHS via your practice website or the NHS App.
  2. Patients submit requests about health issues and other queries using the PATCHS ‘Chatbot’.
  3. Requests enter the PATCHS ‘inbox’ for practice staff to read and respond.
  4. Requests are triaged and workflowed to the most appropriate person to action.
  5. Staff can respond by online message, SMS, phone, or video call.

You can see a demo video of PATCHS here:

Was this article helpful?