QR Codes and link shortening services such as bit.ly are used when you want to:
Allow people to scan a QR code to visit a URL rather than typing it in
Shorten a link for use in an SMS (so you use less SMS characters)
However, they may not be the best choice for Peptalkr forms - depending on what you're trying to achieve.
QR Codes
If you want to use a QR code so patients can scan it on arrival to fill in their intake form (if they didn't fill it in in advance) - this is possible.
However, QR codes 'strip out' any variables we are passing into the form - this is particularly relevant to intake forms as Peptalkr automatically identifies the patient filling the form in by using variables.
So while you can use a QR code - we won't be able to automatically ID the patient.
Link shortening services
Similar to QR codes, link shortening services also 'strip out' any variables we are passing into the form - this is particularly relevant to intake forms as Peptalkr automatically identifies the patient filling the form in by using variables.
So while you can use a link shortener - we won't be able to automatically ID the patient.
So what happens?
Without automatic ID (whereby we use the appointment ID to associate a form response to a patient), Peptalkr will instead manually identify the patient. We will
search for the patient them by looking for an exact match on their:
First name
Last name
DOB
If we find a match, we'll send the form answers there. If we find more than one match - we'll also look for a match on:
Mobile number
If we don't find a match - we'll create a new patient file.
Most often, this will occur if the patient has a typo in their name or DOB, or they enter their name differently to what they had in their booking - e.g. they type 'Joe' instead of 'Joseph'.
If a new patient file is created - you can easily merge it into their existing patient file. Follow these instructions from the Cliniko help centre.