We are living in the times where technology has made anything and everything possible, be it your AirPods to listen to music or bullet train to travel. There is a lot which has been invented and much more remains uninvented and unexplored, cloud being a part of it. The word Cloud is generally associated with smartphones, laptops or computers which are few of the obvious relations. We, the general public, still think that the cloud is used for creating a backup of our photos and files. So naïve! But there is more to it.
In recent times, Cloud Communication has paved its way as a very productive technology. It emphasizes on voice and data communications in an enterprise. The functions like switching and storage are conducted by a third-party hired especially for the above-mentioned purposes. The data can be retrieved over the public internet.
Explaining Cloud Communications in Healthcare Sector
Cloud Communications use various types of applications that help doctors, nurses and patients to come into contact with each other, using the modern technologies like voice and video messages, thereby eliminating the traditional technology like telephones. This helps in building a healthy relationship with the patients, making them feel more important and valuable. During an emergency, this helps to get in touch with the right doctor. It is a new way to keep the patients safe by notifying the doctors as soon as the complications arise without revealing their contact information. Imagine being pregnant and going into labor a week early, improvements like these can assist you almost immediately through functions luke SMS, lead assist, IVR, etc. and you are safe from any mishaps that could have occurred during the time being. Cloud communications can do more than just building relations between the doctors and the patients-
1. Real-Time Assistance- Think about all your patients who were discharged recently and are still recovering, there could be minor complications for which they have to visit the hospital. Cloud communications will help them book an early appointment or they could get the assistance that they need on the spot by just logging onto the website/application curated by the third party on behalf of the hospital. They will be connected to the doctor who performed the procedure and if they are not approachable, someone who specializes in the same field.
2. Distant Communication- This feature comes in handy when you are traveling and the patients want to connect with you or vice versa because it is hard to find a doctor in a new environment. That is where features like PBE, SIP, IVR, etc. come into the picture and help in contact with the doctor. Complicated surgeries are accompanied by minor complications, which could lead to much bigger problems if not looked after immediately and hence urgent communication is needed for immediate care.
3. Planning the Visits- Ever wondered how much time can be saved while making an appointment? Cloud Communications make it easier to get an appointment, being literally one click away. It works both ways, hospitals and clinics give them an appointment which is convenient for both the doctor and the patients. It is a satisfactory method. Traditional systems make it a very tedious process and can sometimes lead to late diagnosis of a condition which or else would have required immediate attention. Making appointments prior would save a lot of time and lives as a result of a timely diagnosis.
4. Helping doctors in OT- While operating, surgeons might need urgent and immediate assistance, and it may take some time to call the concerned doctor which could deteriorate the patient’s health even more. Doctors in OT immediately share the patient’s info with other physicians. So, when patients visit emergency rooms that are armed with intelligent web-based systems, doctors who are examining them share the diagnosis with the system and the system shares it with the other physicians who quickly assist them in the OT.
5. Timely Reminders- We as humans tend towards being forgetful all the time. There are days when we forget to turn off the geyser, so how can we not forget our monthly check-up. Stop smiling, this is serious, people tend to forget about their check-ups and you know if you miss an appointment, the disease won’t be diagnosed and it could lead to serious complications that are not healthy. But with technology like this, patients and doctors can be reminded of their future appointments. This is also helpful for rescheduling the appointment if you cannot visit the hospital on a scheduled date or if, as a doctor, you have prior engagements.
6. Easy test results- We know that you are fed up from your regular visits with the doctor for every small thing, even as small as collecting your test results. Standing in the queue and waiting for your name to be called is tiring and awkward. You don’t want to be tested positive for anything while standing next to a stranger. With the help of Cloud Communications, your results can be uploaded on the cloud and you don’t have to visit the hospital for your results. This ensures privacy and results could be delivered to the patient’s guardians if they are a minor.
7. Patient Participation- Cloud Communications increase the participation of the patients and make them more aware and conscious about their health by informing them through various techniques like IVR, SIP, PBE, etc. This requires the active participation of the patients which refers to their willingness to abide by the treatment plan given by the doctor. Participation here does not mean participating for yourself, it also includes other voluntary actions like blood donation, charity, etc. This builds the hospital’s goodwill.
8. Organizing Campaigns- A hospital organizes various campaigns throughout the year. But patients and clients are unaware most of the time which kills the purpose of organizing such events. Cloud Communications update the clients about the various campaigns, whether it is a free check-up or a blood donation camp or a cancer awareness program, along with getting their confirmation for the same. They keep track of every conversation that took place with the people.
Cloud Communication is saving lives and building healthy relations with the patients, which leads to active participation. This is beneficial for the patients as well as doctors because they can be contacted whenever and wherever we need them. Now, there is no standing in the queues for getting an appointment or your test results, take out your phone and it’s done. The patients/clients are also becoming more aware and participative, and they could lead a life without worrying about skipping appointments and checkups. Your hospital keeps you updated about your checkups, gives you test results on your phone and is easily accessible. What on earth could you have possibly wanted?