Digital Signage with Queue Management for Doctor’s Waiting Room – Q&A

Q: What’s the easiest way to set up digital signage with a simple queue system for a doctor’s office?

A: You can use a digital signage platform (like Yodeck) for displaying medical info and a basic web-based queue system for patient calls. Here’s how:

Best Setup for Your Needs:

✔ 1 Screen (non-smart TV) → Use a Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, or Raspberry Pi
✔ Static Slides → Use Yodeck for easy template-based designs
✔ Queue System → Simple web app or API-driven updates

Q: Can Yodeck handle real-time queue updates?

A: Yes, but with some setup.

Option 1: API Integration (Best for Real-Time Updates)

• Yodeck supports dynamic content via API.

• Build a simple local web app where staff inputs:

  • Patient name (e.g., "John Doe")

  • Room (e.g., "Room C")

• The app sends updates to Yodeck via API → Instantly appears on-screen.

Option 2: Manual Slide Updates (Simpler, Less Real-Time)

• Pre-make slides (e.g., "Next Patient: [Name] – Room [X]").

• Staff edits a Google Sheet or text file → Yodeck auto-refreshes.

• Slight delay (depends on playlist cycle).

Best for: Clinics that don’t need instant updates.

Q: Are there pre-built queue systems for digital signage?

A: Few are ultra-simple, but these work:

1. Qminder (Lightweight Alternative to Qube)

• Cloud-based, minimal setup.

• Staff app to call patients → Displays on screen.

• No ticketing needed, just name/room display.

2. Airtable + Yodeck (No-Code Solution)

• Staff updates an Airtable sheet (name + room).

• Yodeck pulls data → Shows on screen.

• Free for basic use.

3. Custom Web App (Most Flexible)

• Build a local webpage with:

  • Input form (staff types name/room).

  • Real-time display (e.g., using WebSocket or auto-refresh).

• Run it on a Raspberry Pi or old PC.

Q: What’s the cheapest hardware setup?

Recommendation: Fire TV Stick (easiest for Yodeck).

Q: Will this work offline?

A: Most solutions need internet, but:

• Yodeck caches content → Works if Wi-Fi drops briefly.

• Local web app (Raspberry Pi) → Works fully offline.

For 100% offline: Use a Pi with a local server.

Q: What if I add more screens later?

A: Yodeck scales easily:

• Add screens → Pay per screen (~$7/month each).

• Same content or different layouts (e.g., waiting room + exam room).

Final Recommendation:

1. Signage: Yodeck (Fire TV Stick) for medical slides.

2. Queue System:

   • Simple → Airtable + Yodeck

   • Real-time → Custom web app + API

Need help coding a basic queue app? Try Glide Apps (no-code) or hire a dev for a 1-day project.