Telehealth in 2024 and More Technology Advances in Healthcare 2025

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Where Telehealth Began: 

Dating back as early as the 1840s during the Civil War, the electric telegraph revolutionized communication bridging the long distances to transmit medical supplies and casualty reports. In the 1950s, the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute used television to monitor patients remotely, and to provide group therapy, long-term therapy, and consultation-liaison psychiatry ushering in a new age of Telepsychiatry implementing videoconferencing. In 1964, 60 years ago, The Nebraska Psychiatric Institute linked a state mental hospital with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which is often credited as the first telehealth session.

Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, continues to evolve as the technology improves to unify digital video, mobile phones, texting, AI and more. Here is how a Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) platform like RingCentral can help your healthcare practice or facility.

Improved Communication and Collaboration

Staff Coordination: Efficient communication among staff members, including nurses, doctors, and administrative staff, to ensure seamless coordination and quick response times.

Reliability and Uptime

Ensuring that the communication system is always operational, especially during emergencies, is crucial. Downtime can have serious implications for patient care.

Scalability:  The ability to scale the solution as the facility grows or during peak times. This includes adding or removing users without significant downtime or additional costs.

Ease of Use:   The system should be intuitive and easy for staff to use without extensive training, allowing them to focus on patient care rather than technology.

Integration with Existing Systems

Compatibility with existing healthcare systems such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other administrative tools to streamline operations and avoid data silos.

Security and Compliance

Ensuring that the UCaaS solution complies with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA to protect patient data and privacy.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Balancing the budget constraints with the need for advanced communication tools. Cost savings from reduced phone bills and lower maintenance costs are attractive.

Emergency Preparedness:

Features that support emergency communication plans, such as mass notifications and crisis management tools.

What Problems Can UCaaS Help Solve?

Communication Breakdowns:

Eliminating delays and miscommunications between staff members, which can lead to better patient outcomes and more efficient operations.

Disconnected Systems:

Providing a unified platform that integrates voice, video, messaging, and other communication tools, reducing the complexity of managing multiple systems.

Inefficient Workflows:

Streamlining administrative tasks and workflows through automation and improved communication tools, freeing up time for staff to focus on patient care.

Lack of Mobility:   Allowing staff to communicate and access information from anywhere within the facility, enhancing mobility and responsiveness.

Poor Family Engagement:   By facilitating better communication between residents and their families through video calls and messaging, improving overall satisfaction.

Data Security Concerns:  Providing a secure communication platform that ensures patient data is protected and regulatory requirements are met.

 

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