Healthcare organisations around the world have a new challenge: the Covid-19 Coronavirus and how to maintain safe working practices during this time. Now, more than ever, the healthcare sector needs to remain operational and help its staff to carry out critical business activities at safe distances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working in the cloud<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Enabling staff to have remote access to the systems they need relies upon the right network, security and infrastructure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For organisations that host their applications in a cloud environment, staff location is less important, as their systems can be accessed over a suitably secure internet connection. This means it is far easier for staff to work from home, whilst maintaining performance and meeting security compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consulting by video<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are, of course, roles within healthcare where simply being able to access systems isn\u2019t enough. For clinicians in GP surgeries, for example, being able to have face-to-face contact with their patients is key to diagnosis, treatment and care. This is where video conferencing technology can really play a part, in creating a more human interaction when presence in person is not possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While we are practicing social distancing to minimise the spread of Covid-19, it is also worth considering the beneficial application of video calling for patients with other contagious illnesses, compromised immunity, limited mobility or even transport challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ability to consult remotely enables clinicians to reach more patients, and connect the best talent within the healthcare community to patients who need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Video-conferencing: exploring the options<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For healthcare providers who want to offer face to face communication with staff and clients, there are many video conference \u201cquick fixes\u201d available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone from your yoga teacher to your Granny can utilise these incredibly powerful tools. And we\u2019ve seen this in the last few weeks, with businesses without an existing video conferencing system rapidly deploying a solution that allows them to stay productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, as with all business solutions, there is no \u201cone size fits all\u201d. If you\u2019re a healthcare provider, there are some key factors you need to consider to ensure you\u2019ve got the right technology, for the short and longer term: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although some of us may have been forced into this new way of working, it certainly has its longer term applications. The technologies that healthcare providers choose now can help them work more safely in the current crisis, but also have potential to improve services and agility in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n