Video Conferencing in Medical Industry
How the Medical field has been transformed by Video Conferencing
The benefit of video conferencing in the field of medicine is finally being recognised by medical professionals all over the world. However, adopting new technologies like video conferencing in the medical field pose various security issues. There is always the chance that patient information can be leaked out via unscrupulous activities. Thus, many states are passing laws to protect patient information while medical professionals continue using telemedicine and video conferencing in the most effective manner.
Better communication is now possible between the doctors and patients thanks to video conferencing technology. If you are planning to move to a telehealth facility, here are the things you need to know.
HIPPA and Telehealth
While using video conferencing facilities in the medical field, the medical practitioners are required to comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. However, telehealth requires other security precautions.
For example, protecting the health information of patients is vital in telehealth solutions. All patient health information is encrypted so that it becomes HIPPA compliant. In case any third party is handling the telehealth solution, they are also required to follow certain security protocols to reduce liabilities.
Thus, encryption of data is the key to ensure that the telehealth solution is HIPAA compliant. All data generated by the telehealth solution should be encrypted automatically. This ensures that all patient data are secure under all circumstances.
Benefits of Telehealth and Video Conferencing
Just like other industries, the medical field is also looking for effective ways to improve their communication. Video conferencing is the latest, safest and most effective way to ensure effective communication among medical professionals.
A big transformation is brought about in the medical field by the Video conferencing technology. Irrespective of the location of patients and other medical professionals, effective communication is now possible through telemedicine. But choosing the right video conferencing tool is a big task in front of the health providers. The tool selected should be such that it provides high-quality video and audio performance irrespective of the location of the participants.
In addition to having high-quality video and audio facility, the video conferencing solution selected should be able to comprehend multiple displays. Users log in to a video conference from multiple devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets etc.) hence the video conferencing solution selected should be able to function at a high level irrespective of the devices used. The devices should also have a customisable interface which helps in building a trust between the health care providers and patients.
Features & Compatibility
There are various features in the Telehealth video conferencing solution that enhances communication and helps in the effective transfer of data.
Multi-user chats: This feature helps in communicating with different users in a single stream. This helps the medical professionals to consult different parties and patients at the same time.
Patient queue: It acts as a virtual waiting room and is useful for medical professionals who undertake virtual consultation. It is a very effective time management tool in the medical field
Incorporating a new technology in an existing network is always a challenge. The new technology adopted should be compatible with the existing network. Once it becomes compatible with existing technology and browser, the entire process is simplified.
Video conferencing is adopted in various industries including medicine. The development of video conferencing technology like telehealth has revolutionised the medical field. Medical professionals are now able to consult, diagnose and provide care even to the remotest patient using the telehealth facility. These benefits along with its specific features and easy compatibility are reasons for the success of video conferencing in the medical field.
Currently, various states in the USA have expanded the law governing telehealth. However, this expansion should in no way hinder the medical professionals from adopting telehealth solution. In order to ensure that the solution is HIPPA compliant, secure network, encrypted devices and a high level of PHI security should be followed.
Video conferencing solutions have revolutionised every industry, and its impact is quite apparent in the medical field as well. As long as the patient information is safe and secure, video conferencing will be highly effective.
