Websites & patient experience · Website help · External booking handoffs

Describe what confirms an online appointment

The website celebrates a chosen time, but the provider requires another step before confirming it. Visitors leave early believing the appointment is booked.

What to change

Explain the final confirmation signal in the words the actual booking process uses. Review the complete route and distinguish reservation, payment and final confirmation where they differ.

A worked example

Illustrative example

An illustrative page says a chosen slot is confirmed when the provider displays the appointment reference and sends the booking details. It explains how to contact the practice if the visitor is unsure.

How to check the result

A visitor can tell the difference between selecting a time and completing a booking.

A mistake to avoid

Do not assert that an email always arrives immediately if the provider only confirms the appointment on screen or delivery can be delayed.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to record

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Healthcare website design showing connected desktop and mobile service and enquiry layouts.
Make the service and next step clear on every screen.
Healthcare website accessibility illustrated by a focus outline, keyboard key, contrast samples and form.
Review keyboard access, contrast and understandable form fields.
Healthcare website testing with desktop and mobile forms, a checklist and success and error states.
Check complete journeys and explain failures clearly.

Further reading

These primary sources provide additional context for the project decisions above.

Related decisions

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