Patient self assessment tool shortens physician consultations

Odyssey SelfAssess uses the extensive and proven clinical content developed for clinician use, and adapts it for patient self assessment.

It draws upon extensive reviews of clinical best practice to ensure that the patient provides sufficient information for a thorough, clinically safe self-assessment. It then gives clear recommendations to patients with regard to urgency, next steps and self care advice, where appropriate.

Most importantly, it provides output that informs physicians and nurses to ensure their subsequent consultations are thorough, yet shorter. This improves practice efficiency, so more patients may be seen, while ensuring safety is in no way compromised.

Originally trialled in booths in physician waiting rooms at three health centers in the UK, Odyssey SelfAssess allowed patients to assess their own symptoms prior to consultation with clinical services. Early results indicated that: