When should patients come back for a device review?

Patients should come back for a first review shortly after delivery, then at regular intervals you set for each device and patient, and straight away if something changes: a red mark that doesn't fade, pain, a loose fit, a noise or a broken part. Plan short review slots that patients can book themselves, explain at delivery which signs mean they should not wait, and give children and patients whose body is changing closer check-ups. A device that fits well is worn; one that hurts ends up in a cupboard.

The first days with a new device show what the fittings couldn't: how it behaves during a full day, on stairs, in the patient's own shoes, at work. Book a first review before the patient leaves the delivery appointment, so it's in their calendar. Check the skin where the device presses, ask how many hours a day they wear it, watch them walk or move, and make the adjustments that real life revealed.

Give patients a short written list at delivery. When one of these appears, they should book or call rather than wait for the next planned check.

Beyond the first review, set a check-up rhythm per patient rather than one rule for everyone. An active adult with a stable fit needs fewer visits than someone whose limb volume is still settling. Write the next check-up date in the patient's file and tell them at the end of each visit, so it doesn't depend on their memory alone. For patients who live far away or depend on transport, try to group a check-up with another appointment on the same day.

For children, growth is the main reason to come back. Plan check-ups at closer intervals and ask parents to watch for shoes that suddenly feel tight with an orthosis, marks in new places or a device that seems shorter. School holidays can be a good moment for longer adjustments or a new device.

Straps, liners, soles and covers wear out. Check them at each visit and suggest replacing parts before they fail. For repairs, tell patients whether they can drop off the device or must stay while you work on it, and how long it will take, so they can plan.

On Book, each service has a name, a price and an optional description shown on your public page. Create a "Review appointment" service with short slots that patients can book online, and a separate "Adjustment or repair" service with longer slots. In the descriptions, say what to wear and bring, and remind patients that wounds or sudden pain should be reported by phone rather than waiting for a free slot. Patients book with their name, email and phone and can describe the problem in the optional note, which you read in your new-booking email before they arrive. For planned check-ups, book the patient yourself from your calendar at the end of the visit.

Durations and prices are examples: set your own. If you must move a review, do it from your bookings list and tell the patient yourself, since Book doesn't email clients about changes. Book costs €5/month, everything included: unlimited services and bookings, no commission, no contract.