Socrates Case Studies
At Socrates, our focus is on providing solutions which improve the quality of patient care delivered by your practice.
The following are case studies which highlight the experiences of just two of our customers in adopting Socrates as their chosen patient management system:
Dr.John Jacob
Twin Dall Clinic, Carlow
My practice has been using Socrates since April 2006 and I have to say that of all the changes that I have made in 15 years of general practice this has to be easily the most advantageous.
1) The transfer of data from my previous software provider (which I had been using for about 2 years) took 15 minutes and I have not discovered one mutation or deletion.
2) The programme has facility for full mouse control or about 90% key stroke usage - I personally find that the keystroke options are quicker.
3) Laboratory results coming in have options to leave 'train-of-thought' notes to remind us what actions have been take and why.
4) Interruptions to consultations are minimised by a very user friendly internal message systems which pops up on the screen.
5) The prescription module is quick, logical, and has all the necessary aspects to track what has been when, where, and by whom.
6) Letter templates can be set up with great flexibility on Word, incorporating company logos, artwork, etc. The production of letters is QUICK!
7) Admin staff spend much less time following up results etc in old paper charts.
8) The waiting room module is clear logical and has inbuilt capacity to leave notes about upcoming consultations, etc.
9) The variety of reports that can be generated by the software is huge and is helpful for example drawing up lists of those to be vaccinated for flu vaccine/Men C catch up/etc.
10) The responsive approach by the programmers is evident in the multiple updates. Suggestions are welcomed and worked through with many appearing in the next version.''
Mary Toomey
Carlton Clinic
Socrates was introduced to the Carlton Clinic on June 16th 2008. Within days, all our staff members could confidently perform their normal tasks. Within a month, we appreciated how much more reliable the package is compared to our old product. Communication within the Practice was improved immediately and telephone interruptions were reduced by using the discreet instant messaging and Outlook-style tasks functions.
Now, five months later, our doctors see marked improvements in efficiency and improved patient care in several areas. One example is patient safety in relation to repeat prescribing. We use Socrates’ “Prescription Viewer” to ensure doctors are in control in the process of repeat prescribing and to ensure that patients have medication reviews at appropriate intervals.
From a management perspective, Socrates has provided us with reliable reporting functions. A wide variety of reports can be generated quickly and easily which have helped us tasks such as identifying babies who are due immunizations, notifying patients of updates regarding specific medications, and generating statements for patients with outstanding bills. We’ve also achieved greater protection of patient and business information, achieved by Socrates’ ability to restrict access to various levels of each patient’s file and to the reports module. Reception, administration and clinical staff now use the levels of access which are most appropriate to their roles.
But the biggest benefit Socrates has brought to the Carlton Clinic is that our staff members feel happier doing their tasks. Our staff like and trust Socrates, and that confidence definitely shows when dealing with patients. Reception can tell at a glance how long patients have been waiting and are far better equipped to take messages and resolve queries quickly. The appointment and waiting room modules are colorful and pleasant to use and have safeguards to prevent those annoying little mistakes caused by being busy or distracted. We no longer have to apologize to patients for IT problems or technical difficulties. We are no longer wasting time searching for things, worried about data disappearing, or frustrated by error messages.
A few words about our experience of moving from another package to Socrates for anybody facing the prospect of a move. We found the basic functions quite intuitive to use and the package was well demonstrated to us in advance. Training provided to each staff member, ensuring they would be comfortable carrying out their routine duties. The training was very well delivered and the trainers were engaging, practical and pleasant. The staff believed they could do it. With this positive attitude on board, the go-live day ran very smoothly. Constant, on-site support was available throughout our long opening hours until we were fully confident. The remote support has been 100%-reliable, with calls swiftly answered – not by a receptionist but by a technician – so that you can get help directly, whenever you need it. The support team has always been genuinely friendly and quick to understand our needs.
In short, we are happy with Socrates. There are still features we haven’t begun to explore and we know there are areas we can still get more benefit. But so far, so good, and the next version (1.5) will have some useful new tools, so we’re looking forward to it.
