By Lee Zweig
By now, many GPs will have experienced the benefits and frustrations of remote working. While it has proved vital in continuing to provide services to people up and down the country, it can present a range of challenges that are most effectively addressed by improving both processes and technology.
Evidence suggests that although remote working for GPs began as part of an emergency response to lockdown, it is set to have a long term future in the provision of community healthcare. For instance, as recently as last December, research published in Pulse revealed that three quarters of GPs say they will continue using remote working practices ‘frequently’ after the pandemic ends.
What’s more, this May, the Royal College of General Practitioners, went on record to acknowledge “the huge potential of remote consulting and other digital ways of working - and sees a significant role for them moving forward.”
To improve effectiveness, they have also called on the Government “to invest £1 billion in digital infrastructure and capabilities for general practice by 2024. This includes significant investment for ongoing upgrades to digital technology and supporting infrastructure.”
So, as the future of remote working continues to develop, how can GPs optimise their use of technology to ensure it’s a process that delivers for them and their patients?
An important starting point is to consider how surgeries actually deliver their key technology services. One of the most key tech trends driving efficiency and effectiveness is the use of cloud-based computing, where users only need a secure internet connection to access a huge range of software products and services.
This outsourced approach to IT is not only a more cost-effective way of using technology, but it also offers better performance, security and ease of use than traditional approaches (read more about the benefits of cloud on our recent blog here).
On a practical level, consider the impact of cloud computing on the telephone, a trusted piece of technology that plays a central role in the ability of people everywhere to work remotely. First and foremost, cloud telephony allows doctors, nurses and receptionists to work from home just as if they were in the surgery. This is made possible by using an app that instantly turns their mobile or laptop into their office phone, enabling them to make, receive and transfer calls via their normal office extension or number. No mobile plan minutes are required because all the communication is delivered via the Internet.
But, today’s cloud communication systems go much further than calls, with services provided here at VTSL able to fully integrate with EMIS and other clinical systems to minimise the amount of administrative time staff normally spend finding and updating patient records.
These services have also been specifically designed to meet the needs of modern surgeries and their patients, and unlike so many areas of technology, users don’t have to change their way of working to fit round the tech. As a result, cloud communication systems allow users to benefit from useful features such as unlimited cloud-queuing, call recording, easy-to-change auto-attendants and on-hold music. GPs already using our services, for example, have quickly come to rely on useful features such as click-to-call, which enable them to spend more time talking to patients.
Real world examples include Kingston Chambers, a federation representing 24 practices in Kingston, who needed a telephony system that would allow each practice to retain their independence, whilst delivering the benefits of working at scale, enhancing the patient experience, increasing productivity - all while offering the ability to work remotely. To read the full case study, click here.
As the long term role of remote working becomes more certain, GPs, surgeries and Federations will need to ensure they can optimise their approach by providing cost-effective, proven technologies that support staff working away from surgery locations, while ensuring their vital services remain accessible and effective.
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 lzweig@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.
