Communication lies at the heart of every successful organisation and healthcare is no exception. From improving patient outcomes to collaborating with medical professionals, efficient communication helps healthcare organisations provide best-in-class services. Technology is continually shaping the way we connect and one solution that’s gained serious traction in recent years is voice over internet protocol (VoIP).
The benefits are especially profound for the healthcare sector, where communication is key. Want to know more about VoIP for healthcare? Read on as we and explore the topic and unpack the unique benefits on offer for healthcare organisations.
What is VoIP?
Before we explore the benefits of VoIP for healthcare, let’s break down the basics of VoIP. Short for voice over internet protocol, the game-changing technology transmits voice calls over the internet, as opposed to traditional landlines. Audio is converted to digital data packets which improves voice quality and minimises interruptions. The outcome? A reliable, streamlined flow of communication between patients, practices and healthcare professionals.
Voice calls aren’t the only feature supported by VoIP. The technology integrates additional features like video conferencing, instant messaging and file sharing. It’s this multifaceted approach to communication that makes VoIP the communication solution of choice for a myriad of industries, including healthcare.
The benefits of VoIP for healthcare organisations
Now you know more about the fundamentals of VoIP, let’s spotlight how the technology can benefit healthcare organisations.
Enhanced mobility
VoIP allows healthcare professionals to communicate from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether it’s a hospital, private medical practice or nursing home, VoIP makes it easy for employees to stay connected, even when on the move.
On-the-go access
Features like mobile apps and softphone systems enhance accessibility for healthcare organisations. As well as desktop phones and computers, medical staff can make and receive calls using smartphones, tablets, laptops and even wearable devices like smartwatches.
Improved collaboration
VoIP supports real-time collaboration through features like video conferencing and instant messaging. Healthcare teams can easily consult with specialists, share patient records and coordinate care plans – benefits that actively improve patient outcomes.
Cost-efficiency
By leveraging existing internet infrastructure, VoIP can reduce communication costs for healthcare organisations. Making long-distance or international calls is often cheaper with VoIP compared to traditional phone systems, a feature that can unlock significant cost savings for healthcare providers.
Integration with healthcare systems
VoIP is designed to seamlessly integrate with electronic health records (EHR) and other medical software. The technology also complements appointment scheduling and patient management software. This streamlines administrative tasks, improves workflows and enhances the overall patient experience.
Improved patient satisfaction
Features like telemedicine consultations, automated appointment reminders and interactive voice response (IVR) systems can enhance the patient experience.
Considerations for VoIP in healthcare
VoIP offers a cache of benefits for healthcare organisations. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when implementing a strategy. Here’s a closer look:
Security and compliance
Healthcare organisations deal with sensitive patient data and must ensure that VoIP systems comply with strict regulatory requirements. In the UK, this includes the NHS Act 2006, Health and Social Care Act 2012, Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act. These legal frameworks exist to control the use of personal data and maintain patient confidentiality. Watertight security measures such as encryption and access controls can be used to safeguard patient confidentiality and protect against data breaches.
Reliability and redundancy
Good communication correlates directly with excellent patient care. For this reason, VoIP systems must be designed with redundancy mechanisms in place. This keeps communication lines open, even during network outages or emergencies.
Quality of service
High-quality voice and video communication is critical in healthcare settings. To minimise issues like data packet loss, delays and network jitters, it’s worth investing in Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms. These mechanisms give VoIP traffic precedence over other data types to improve call quality.
Get the most out of your VoIP service
To truly maximise the potential of your VoIP service it’s worth investing in high-speed internet. At VS Group, we offer a range of connectivity solutions tailored to the unique needs of healthcare organisations. This includes fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP), SOGEA Broadband and Leased Lines. Here’s a closer look at each option:
Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP)
FTTP delivers ultra-fast and reliable internet via fibre optic cables. Infrastructure is hooked up onsite to ensure lightning-fast upload and download speeds. This standard of internet is designed to support bandwidth-intensive applications like VoIP.
SOGEA broadband
Single order generic ethernet access (SOGEA) broadband is a cost-effective solution for healthcare organisations seeking high-speed internet without a traditional phone line. With impressive download speeds and improved stability, SOGEA Broadband runs circles around ADSL connections and is more than capable of supporting VoIP systems.
Leased lines
Leased lines provide a dedicated internet connection reserved exclusively for your healthcare organisation. If you’re looking for the ultimate in reliability, security and performance, a private leased line is a worthwhile upgrade. Upload and download speeds are symmetrical which makes leased lines ideal for healthcare organisations with large data processing needs. This includes data-heavy systems like VoIP, which is used for telehealth consultations, remote patient monitoring and other mission-critical applications. Even during peak periods or network congestion, leased lines support seamless communication.
Revitalise your VoIP strategy with VS Group
From outpatient surgeries to dental clinics, VoIP offers a plethora of benefits for healthcare organisations. Beyond improving the patient experience, VoIP can enhance collaboration between healthcare professionals, slash communications-related costs and streamline administrative tasks.
Looking to revitalise your communications strategy? Contact VS Group to explore how VoIP for healthcare can benefit your organisation. In addition to cutting-edge VoIP solutions, we provide industry-leading internet connectivity solutions, including FTTP, SOGEA and leased lines. Our mission? To empower your healthcare organisation with the next-generation technology it needs to deliver top-tier patient care.
