Video conferencing to play important role in healthcare

Advanced audio visual installations are now commonly used in a variety of industries and healthcare is no exception. Indeed, an independent technology analyst firm recently suggested that video conferencing technology is the most effective way for medical organisations to offer improved services.

Ovum claimed that provisions like this could enhance the level of collaboration between different stakeholders.

In a report, the organisation stated that video conferencing will have a major impact on care outcomes and patient and practitioner satisfaction when it is properly integrated into healthcare systems.

Ovum telco strategy principal analyst and co-author of the report Charlie Davies said: “Video conferencing solutions must be tailored to various usage scenarios, ranging from disease-specific diagnosis and treatment between a care provider and patient to consultation between professionals.”

He also noted that the audio visual installations needed will vary significantly and will range from high-end tele-presence that is reliant on high-speed broadband connections to desktop and laptop services.

The study also showed promising long-term prospects for video conference solutions. A rise in fixed and mobile broadband connectivity, improvements in equipment interoperability and technological innovations are underpinning development in the industry.

Meanwhile, Ovum senior analyst and co-author of the report Cornelia Wels-Maug added: “The increasingly central role of ICT will improve outcomes, allow remote consultations and save costs. Interaction between healthcare professionals, care providers and patients, as well as training and education, can be facilitated easily with video conferencing.”

Many organisations are increasingly using video conferencing technology to help them stage meetings with individuals based elsewhere. This can save firms time and money and it is also more eco-friendly. After all, making a video call is much less harmful to the planet than flying or driving hundreds of miles or further.

As long as managers know where to look, they should find it easy to source the perfect solutions for them.