Where does the “Save 3–6 minutes per consult” estimate come from?
Published research, pilot data, and workflow analysis underpin our conservative estimate.
Executive Summary
Independent studies show that pre-visit history collection and structured intake reduce consultation time. Reported savings range from ~29% shorter visits to ~2 minutes per consult, with expert guidance from the AAFP suggesting 5–10 minutes can be saved via pre-visit planning. Based on this range, we use a conservative claim of 3–6 minutes saved per consult for Australian general practice and are validating it through pilots.
Research Foundation
Independent Studies
Peer-reviewed and professional sources supporting pre-visit history capture and planning:
- WHO Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal (2012): Knowing the patient’s history significantly reduced consultation time (~29%).
- BMC Health Services Research (2024): Computer-assisted pre-visit history tool noted ~1 hour/day saved (≈2 minutes per consult).
- AAFP – Pre-Visit Planning (2015): Practical guidance cites 5–10 minutes saved per visit with pre-visit workflows.
Context & Utilisation
Additional context highlighting why pre-visit capture is impactful:
- Beasley et al., Fam Med (2004): GPs manage an average of 3.05 problems per encounter, so organized history materially helps efficiency.
- BMJ Open (2017): Mean primary-care consult length ~9.2 minutes (UK); even small savings are proportionally meaningful.
Time Analysis Breakdown
Our pilot time-motion observations map savings to history and documentation. Exact figures vary by practice and case mix, so we publish a conservative range.
| Consultation Activity | Traditional Time | With PreConsult | Time Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| History Taking Chief complaint, symptoms, timeline |
4–6 min | 1–2 min | 3–4 min |
| Documentation Typing notes, selecting codes |
3–5 min | 1–2 min | 2–3 min |
| Information Review Clarifications & follow-ups |
2–3 min | 0–1 min | 1–2 min |
| Total Time Savings | Per 15-minute consultation | ~6–9 min | |
📄 Want the Complete Evidence?
Our comprehensive white paper "Give Me 5: Shift History Before the Room to Win Back Clinical Time" includes:
- Detailed breakdown of time savings across all consultation phases
- Real-world implementation examples from NHS and US healthcare systems
- Complete ROI calculations with practice economics
- 60+ peer-reviewed citations and research references
Ready to validate the savings in your clinic?
See how PreConsult fits your workflow with a personalised demonstration or start a free trial.
References
- WHO EMHJ (2012). Effect of access to medical history on consultation time. Link
- BMC Health Services Research (2024). Prospective evaluation of a computer-assisted pre-visit history tool. Link
- AAFP (2015). Putting Pre-Visit Planning Into Practice. Link
- Beasley JW et al. (2004). How many problems do family physicians manage at each encounter? Fam Med. PubMed
- Hobbs FDR et al. (2017). Clinical workload in UK primary care. BMJ Open. Link