Part of Data quality guidance for general practices using EMIS Web
Mode of appointment
Mode of appointment describes the method by which a patient interaction with a healthcare professional (HCP) is planned to be or was carried out during an appointment, depending on when the data was collected from the system. For example, face-to-face, telephone, video or home visit.
The mode is called the Status Type. We recommend that practices review their Slot Types and set the Status Type as part of the Slot Type configuration process described in 'Bookable and non-bookable appointments', and then later change this on individual appointments as necessary. This removes reliance on using default Status Type, which could result in over-reporting of face-to-face appointments and under-reporting of video consultations and telephone appointments.
Actions requested from practices
Practices are asked to accurately record the intended mode of the appointment. If the mode changes during the appointment, for example from ‘telephone’ to ‘video consultation’, the appointment book does not need to be updated to reflect this.
1. On creation of an appointment slot or session of appointments, the users will see the following appointment mode displayed within 'Status Type'.
2. The user will need to select from the single list of standardised mode options displayed. One of modes must be selected for every appointment. It is not possible to create a slot within the GP appointment module without selecting one of the mode options from within 'Status Type'.
The full set of mode options displayed are:
- Face to Face (Surgery)
- Face to Face (Home Visit)
- Written (Including Online)
- Telephone/Audio
- Video with Audio
- Not an appointment
The status type (appointment mode) does not default to any value - users will need to proactively choose one of the standard national modes (as above).
No other mode options are available, and users are not able to add additional modes for selection.
If the created slot is for something that is not an appointment, the user can choose the 'Not an appointment' option.
Appointment Definition - before selecting the 'not an appointment' option users should have regard to the agreed definition of an appointment, as set out in this guidance:
More accurate general practice appointment data – guidance - NHS England
Last edited: 22 May 2023 2:31 pm