How to Use Input Types in Medical Forms

Step 1: Navigate to Medical Forms

Start by logging into your Pabau account. Once you're in, locate the Setup section at your screen's left bottom corner. Within the Setup menu, click on Forms under Clinical.

 

Step 2: Configure Form Components 

In the form builder, you’ll use components to capture information:

• To add a new component, look at the panel on the left — this lists all available component types like Text, Date, Number, Dropdown, Checkbox, and Long Text.

• Simply drag a component from the left panel into your form canvas on the right.

• To edit an existing component, hover over it in the form canvas and click the pencil (edit) icon to open its settings, including the input type.

 

Step 3: Choose the Appropriate Input Type

Selecting the right component ensures accurate and usable data. Here’s a breakdown of component types and when to use each:

• Text

For single‑line text entries such as: first name, city, postcode, or short notes.

• Date

For collecting dates like date of birth, follow‑up appointments, or surgery dates — includes a built‑in date picker.

• Number

For numeric data such as age, weight, height, blood pressure, or other measurements.

• Dropdown

For providing a preset list of options where only one answer is allowed (e.g., selecting a medical condition or department).

• Single choice

For mutually exclusive choices, commonly used for yes/no questions or selecting one option from a few.

• Checkbox

For cases where multiple options may apply, such as selecting symptoms or interests in services.

• Long Text

For extended responses, such as descriptions of medical history, symptoms, or any detailed notes.

Best Practices

Following these guidelines will help you design medical forms that are easy to complete and provide accurate, consistent information.

• Always match the input type to the information you need to collect. For example, use a Date component for dates like birth dates or appointment follow-ups instead of a free-text field. This ensures data is entered in a consistent format, making it easier to process and reducing errors caused by manual input.
• Use structured components such as Date, Number, Dropdown, and Single Choice wherever possible. These input types limit the answers clients can provide to valid options, helping standardise responses and minimise mistakes. Structured inputs also speed up form completion and improve data quality for reporting and analysis.
• Reserve Long Text fields for situations where detailed, open-ended answers are necessary. Use these only when clients need to describe symptoms, medical history, or other complex information that cannot be captured by predefined options. Overusing long text can make forms harder to complete and data more difficult to analyse.
• Keep your form layout clear, logical, and organised. A well-structured form is easier for clients to understand and complete, especially on mobile devices. It also helps your team quickly review and utilise the collected information without confusion.

 Step 4: Save Your Form

After adding and configuring your components, take a moment to review your form in the preview pane to ensure everything appears as expected.

Once you’re satisfied with the layout and settings, click ''Save Form'' to apply your changes and finalise the form.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create medical forms that collect the right information in the correct format, improving data accuracy and making the form easier for clients to complete.

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