Call Center Optimization:
Aim for 1st Call Resolution
Imagine a world where there never was an inbox of voicemails or an indicator light flashing on your desk phone. Returned phone calls are extremely inefficient (patient may not answer, patient not have the information in front of them, …) and adding these new to-do’s on to the already large pile of existing to-dos our teams have on their plate will eventually move you into “keep up mode”. Voicemails and tasks are an indicator that 1st call resolution did not happen. 1st call resolution is when the initial call is answered, and the patient’s need was met/exceeded. This means the patient had the appointment scheduled, prescription refilled, health question answered before ending the call meaning no additional steps or call backs remaining to complete the ask. Due to many reasons such as old phone systems, dated call flows, and/or staffing, it is not always possible to meet the need on the first call. Instead, we may have the patient leave a voicemail, hang up and call another number, etc… Identifying where 1st call resolution is not happening is a great starting point for improvement. We have a lot of experience with helping health centers identify these areas and dig into the technology, call flows, and staffing to continue to move your team on the path towards 1st call resolution. This in turn leads to improved patient experience and less voicemails. Less to-do’s/follow ups will help you move from “keep up mode” (reactive) to being able to take a few minutes and look ahead (proactive).
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