Surge Planning: Leveraging a digital front door

Health First in Melbourne, FL, and Tenet Healthcare (headquartered in Dallas) are employing some innovative technologies to support remote symptom checking as part of surge planning strategy. Using a third party “digital front door” solution that is easily configurable and relatively low cost, the tool offers a patient interface via a chatbot to guide patients (aligned with CDC guidelines) to set up a telehealth appointment, call their physician’s office, go to the Emergency Room or stay home. It’s also been helpful in educating patients about COVID-19 (as well as other health conditions).