Abstract: Objective: To develop an intelligent-guide information system, and to evaluate the effects of the system applied in the outpatient service of a children's hospital. Methods: The intelligent-guide information system was used for pre-diagnosis and triage service according to children's chief complaints, and signs and symptoms. The researcher established a rule engine based on the information collected. Then the system automatically made recommendations regarding the departments or specialties for consultation to children and family. The pre-diagnosis and triage system for intelligent-guide consultation was developed, and multiple subsystems in the hospital were connected at the same time to implement functional service modules before, during and after the outpatient service. Children treated from October 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 in a tertiary grade A children's hospital in Beijing were recruited in the control group and the traditional pretest triage and treatment procedures were adopted. Children treated from July 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 were recruited in the experimental group, and the intelligent-guide information system was used for children to receive outpatient service. The quality of services between the two groups of children were compared, and the system evaluation made by the children, their parents and the nurses in the outpatient departments. Results: The refund and complaint rates were reduced after the system application (P<0.05). The accuracy and satisfaction rates of disease screening were significantly improved (P<0.05). The system was evaluated in 5 dimensions including sense of experience, guidance, convenience, accuracy, and comprehensiveness after its application. The average score of children and parents was above 4.93, and the average score of outpatient nurses was beyond 4.13. Conclusion: The intelligent-guide information system can effectively reduce the rate of refund and complaints, improve the accuracy of disease screening and patient satisfaction, help optimize the outpatient treatment process, and improve the quality of care.

Key words: pediatric clinic; intelligent medical treatment; intelligent guidance; pretest and triage; satisfaction; nursing informatization