The use of video conferencing software among healthcare professionals has increased tenfold over the last three years, with over 35,000 minutes of calls now taking place over video.
Over the last few decades the UK healthcare sector has often been governed by budget cuts and, as a result, stretched resources. And, with the General Election just around the corner, there is an expectation that staff numbers, patient care, and funding for the NHS will be major topics of debate.
This week Blue Jeans Network, experts in cloud-based video collaboration and interactive event services, urged healthcare organisations to act now to review the ways they work in order to help address these challenges.
Coupled with the recent Budget announcement severely lacking in attention towards the NHS and healthcare system, it’s now more important than ever for action to be taken to ensure resources can be used in the most-efficient way possible, without cutting into valuable budgets
Vice president and general manager, James Campanini, said: “Doctors need to see patients. It’s how healthcare works.
“That used to mean waiting for appointments and meeting in person, but research shows that doctors are now connecting with patients more and more through video calls. We have seen a significant increase of usage over the past few years, totalling 37,724 minutes in 2014 alone across the UK.”
Further findings reveal that, over the last three years, there has been an even split of video conferencing usage between professionals based in rural (21,402 minutes) and city (23,124 minutes) areas. Those based in rural areas are able to connect with city specialists, while those in the city can slash cross-town travel time and costs.
Campanini said: “With the General Election just round the corner, we think – like other years – changes will be put in place that will impact how healthcare organisations need to operate, and we’re really excited to see what these are.
“Coupled with the recent Budget announcement severely lacking in attention towards the NHS and healthcare system, it’s now more important than ever for action to be taken to ensure resources can be used in the most-efficient way possible, without cutting into valuable budgets.”
The Blue Jeans research found that over a three-year period, web browsers have become the most-popular way to join video calls (72% of all video calls in 2014) and a trend towards mobile usage can be seen, with one in every 21 calls having a participant joining via this platform.
Campanini said: “It’s great to see consumerisation of IT has started to creep into the healthcare workplace, with more professionals now turning to mobile as a platform of choice.
“But, while we have seen a significant increase in usage in recent years, there’s still vast potential for more healthcare professionals to not only embrace video conferencing solutions but to do so across a variety of devices.”
Video conferencing allows healthcare professionals to communicate face-to-face, even when hectic schedules and lean travel budgets do not allow
David Winstone-Adair, head of business development at Interact Technology, agrees. He told BBH: “Video conferencing allows healthcare professionals to communicate face-to-face, even when hectic schedules and lean travel budgets do not allow. It’s also not just about budgets and schedules, but access.
“It’s really important that even in the most-remote locations, the same level of healthcare is available and, by using video conferencing, patients can be connected to specialists regardless of location.
“It’s promising to see that over the last two years there’s been a significant increase in usage, but the next couple of years will be key.”
