Digital innovation in ophthalmic admissions: Impact on hospital quality in China

Objective This study aims to construct and evaluate a digital admission management platform for ophthalmology in China, assessing its impact on nurse reception time, patient satisfaction, human cost and healthcare staff experience, with the goal of enhancing the efficiency and quality of ophthalmic medical services. Methods A multidisciplinary team conducted a digital transformation, involving needs assessment, process analysis, and design of a digital admission preparation center system tailored for ophthalmic hospitals. We collected data on nursing times for processing admissions and receiving new patients, patient satisfaction ratings, and healthcare staff feedback before and after the implementation of the digital system to evaluate its impact on operational efficiency. Results The implementation of the digital system led to a significant reduction in nursing times for processing admissions (from 733.05 ± 188.34 seconds to 547.18 ± 86.97 seconds) and receiving new patients (from 272.38 ± 73.66 seconds to 215.58 ± 20.95 seconds), with statistically significant differences ( p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction increased from 95.75% to 99.50% ( p < 0.006). Healthcare staff reported improved experiences, with 90% finding the system more convenient, 92% noting more rational process handling, and 92% having better access to timely and accurate patient information. The system also significantly supported clinical work (90%), enhanced medical safety and quality assurance (92%), and reduced healthcare costs (88%). Additionally, the digital system was estimated to save the hospital a total of approximately 100,200 yuan in annual manpower costs. Conclusion The construction and application of a digital ophthalmic admission management platform significantly improved admission management efficiency, increased patient satisfaction, and optimized the working environment for healthcare staff. Digital transformation is a key strategy for enhancing the efficiency of ophthalmic medical services, reducing costs, and improving patient experience.