This guide will walk you through setting up online booking via your practice's website using the Hero platform, from configuring appointment types to embedding custom booking links.
First, log into your Hero dashboard and navigate to Settings > Appointments > Appointment Types. This section is essential for customising your appointment offerings.
Your EMIS slot types will be synced automatically and you should see these populate the view.
You will need to search for your slot types in SystmOne and add the ones you want to make available for patient-led online booking.
Set General Appointment Settings: Assign a patient-friendly name to the appointment type.
Enable Online Cancellations: Permit patients to cancel this type of appointment online.
Require Intake Forms: Identify any necessary intake forms for completion before booking.
Implement Guidance Messages: Create specific messages that will guide patients during the booking process.
Determine Location Availability: Specify which locations offer this appointment type.
Apply Booking Restrictions: Enforce restrictions based on sex or age for appropriate appointment bookings.
Hero's booking link builder feature allows the creation of links for booking multiple appointments across different locations and practitioners. If you're using Hero with EMIS or TPP, Hero will sync with the sessions created for these slot types to ensure patients can only book at locations and practitioners defined in your EMR.
Start creating booking links by going to the left hand navigation within Appointments > Booking links, this option is ideal for practices looking to offer extensive self-service booking capabilities to their patients.
Once you've generated your booking links, the next step is to incorporate them into your website. By embedding these links into buttons or dedicated sections on your site, you make it easy for patients to access and utilise your online booking system. This integration not only enhances the patient experience but also promotes efficient appointment management.
The patient's journey through online booking is designed to be intuitive and reassuring. For practices within the NHS, the booking interface will reflect these standards, offering a familiar and comfortable environment for patients. From choosing appointment times to filling out intake forms and managing bookings, the process is tailored to meet both patient needs and practice requirements.
