Smart forms may be relatively new to the allied health and specialist toolkit, but research has long recognised their utility in healthcare. Back in 2008, one study found a smart form could help clinicians write multi-problem visit notes while also capturing coded information and offering tailored care recommendations. Recently, another found a smart form could cut the time clinicians take to complete a questionnaire by 63%.
Today, practice managers and owner practitioners often find themselves juggling client care with an ever-growing volume of paperwork. Smart forms, like those offered by MasterCare Digital Front Door, are transforming how healthcare practices operate by streamlining processes and reducing administrative burden—helping clinicians focus more on their clients and less on administrative tasks.
Streamlined onboarding
Often the first point of interaction between a practice and a new client, the onboarding experience can have a powerful influence on the relationship -making or breaking it in some cases.
Traditionally, onboarding has involved time-consuming paperwork that can be frustrating for both clients and clinicians. Smart forms replace laborious manual data entry with a digital-first approach.
With tools like MasterCare Digital Front Door, clients are sent a secure link to input personal details, medical history, and contact information. The platform even captures financial details such as insurance coverage and compensation claim specifics.
Gaining this data digitally upfront not only reduces administrative load but also enables clients to give informed consent before their visit. This can lead to shorter wait times, improved data security, and a better client experience -while freeing up staff for higher-value tasks like client care or business planning.
Reduced administrative load
Practice managers and owner practitioners can spend a significant amount of time managing forms, from chasing incomplete details to inputting data manually. Tasks like these are more than an inconvenience. In fact, administrative burden is a contributor to clinician burnout. Smart forms ease this burden by automating repetitive tasks.
MasterCare Digital Front Door provides customisable templates that can be tailored to the specific needs of each practice. Automated reminders ensure that clients complete forms on time, and centralised management consolidates documents in one secure system. This efficiency reduces the need for follow-ups and allows staff to focus on value-driven activities.
Furthermore, smart forms enhance transparency and collaboration. Team members can access the same updated data, helping reduce the risk of miscommunication and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Reduced paperwork
Paper-based systems are inherently inefficient. They require physical storage space, are prone to being misplaced, and often require redundant effort from staff and clients alike. Smart forms eliminate these challenges by transitioning documentation to an onsite or cloud-based digital platform.
The MasterCare Digital Front Door has a user-friendly interface with dropdown menus, pre-filled fields and digital signing. This helps accelerate form completion while reducing risk of incomplete or erroneous entries.
Cutting back on paper use also helps practices save money and operate more sustainably.
Better data accuracy and security
Errors in client records can have serious consequences for care delivery and compliance. Smart forms mitigate this risk by helping to ensure information is input correctly and stored securely.
With MasterCare Digital Front Door, pre-populated form fields reduce redundant data entry when clients return to the practice. The system integrates seamlessly with numerous Electronic Medical Record solutions, reducing the risk of transcription errors while enabling real-time updates.
Security is another critical benefit of smart forms. By adhering to robust data protection standards, MasterCare safeguards client information, helping practices maintain compliance and build trust.
A smart move for healthy practices
The decision to adopt smart forms is about more than just efficiency – it’s a strategic investment in the growth and sustainability of your practice. In a competitive healthcare environment with new practices opening regularly, those with a streamlined workflow and high-quality client experiences stand to attract and retain more clients.
MasterCare Digital Front Door is custom-built for Australian healthcare providers. By simplifying onboarding, reducing paperwork, improving accuracy, and easing administrative demands, it enables practices to achieve operational excellence while delivering the highest standards of client care.
To learn how MasterCare Digital Front Door can help you harness the power of smart forms, book a demo today.
