By Robert Walton
Fast access to healthcare services has never been more important than over this past year. Covid-19 has undoubtedly rocked the world, and there isn't an industry that hasn't been affected by the sudden and often terrifying demands that the 'new normal' has brought about.
One of the industries at the forefront of coping with the pandemic is, of course, the healthcare industry. With strict guidelines around patient confidentiality and patient care always being the absolute priority, they needed to adapt and overcome significant challenges in almost every area, with limited ability to manoeuvre.
As a supplier to the healthcare industry, it was a test for us to adjust, mainly because our requirement to adapt and support our customers was almost instantaneous. Demand for access to GP services - both digital and physical, soared. This wasn't just a short spike in demand, either. Demand has been prolonged and sustained, with millions of calls being made to GPs every single day.
Despite the NHS announcing in 2018 that they would be taking a cloud-first approach to technology going forward, many GP practices hadn't yet adopted this approach before the pandemic hit - leaving many settings overwhelmed by the sudden requirements of their patients.
However, of those who had implemented Cloud Communications, we've found that despite these ever-changing demands and unprecedented times, our customers found that our GP Cloud Voice technology allowed them to work with the increased demand with ease and even improve their services.
What's improved?
Simple, intuitive, and easy to manage for both staff and patients, Cloud Communications integrates easily with patient record systems enabling faster and more accurate dialling. In addition, the clinical records are displayed on the screen during a call so that clinicians can update notes in real-time.
This technology is cloud-based, so it can be accessed from anywhere - allowing non-medical staff who don't need to come into contact with patients to work from home. The same goes for medical staff; doctors, for example, can offer consultations from home - reducing the risk of coming into contact with people who are unwell or spreading the virus.
With a decrease in admin, staff are more productive and can focus on their main priority - patients and providing exceptional patient care.
This technology doesn't just offer benefits to staff. Patients have reported that contacting GP services has become far more accessible. With Cloud Communications, practices can be linked together; calls can be seamlessly routed between users and sites and placed in a queue, meaning waiting times are far less, and patients reaching a busy tone is a thing of the past.
Using Cloud Communications can also positively impact the bottom line. With all-inclusive options available, the cost is transparent and fixed. And while technology is constantly changing, using Cloud Communications means the GP practice will always have access to the most up-to-date technology as the provider adapts to the evolving demands. No more buying new expensive technology every few years.
It's been shown over this year that fast, reliable, and seamless communication underpins the entire healthcare system. This is why the technology used for this purpose must be the absolute best it can be for patients and staff. Therefore, we are constantly striving to improve our service to help GPs to communicate quickly and efficiently.
If you are interested in learning more about how GP Cloud Voice, our cloud telephony system, can help GP practices get the most from telemedicine, please contact me at rwalton@vtsl.net or on 0333 405 3216.
About VTSL
VTSL is a leading cloud communications provider, offering GP practices and other organisations across the UK & Ireland powerful voice communications technology that allows them to work smarter. VTSL's service streamlines day-to-day interactions with intuitive and easy-to-use management portals, mobile apps, and state-of-the-art phones. Integrations with applications such as EMIS reduce admin time and provides a seamless working across platforms. Learn more by emailing info@vtsl.net today.
