The global Coronavirus pandemic has forced many healthcare practices to reassess their treatment offerings and provide as many services as possible remotely. From dentists to plastic surgeons, family healthcare providers to opticians, most members of the healthcare market have to adapt to survive during this challenging situation. Thankfully, technology is helping many healthcare practices to provide their services remotely, but it requires careful implantation. For any practices that are unsure how to go about providing remote healthcare services, here are some practical tips that can help.
Review Your Services To Work Out Which Ones Can Be Offered Remotely
The first stage in your transition towards remote healthcare services is to work out which of your services it is possible to provide over the phone or via video call and which will require a face-to-face meeting. Some healthcare procedures and examinations require a physical meeting, in which case you will need to make sure that you have a safe, sanitary space in which to provide these services for clients who need them. For those treatments that can be provided remotely, you need to make sure that you inform your patients and staff about the changes to your working practices and collaborate with them to ensure that your procedure works effectively.
Store Your Data Safely
The move towards remote services means that you will be storing more data digitally. If this data is not stored safely, then you could find yourself breaching regulations and facing a hefty fine, as well as a PR disaster. As such, it’s vital that you store your data safely. Central Data Storage offers data storage that is specifically designed to be compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and any other regulations that healthcare providers are governed by. As a result, you can rest assured that when you store your data with them, it’s in safe hands.
Create A Procedure For Sharing, Storing And Deleting Images
Viewing your patient's symptoms is an important part of your diagnostic procedure, but when you’re not able to meet them in person, you may have to make do with photographs. As well as working with a secure data storage provider, you also need to explore the options for sharing these images and find one that is completely secure. Then, you need to create a policy that reassures patients that their pictures will be safe and won’t fall into anyone else’s hands, or be used for any unsavoury purposes.
Choose A Secure Video Conferencing Service
Video calls are a great way to provide remote healthcare services, as you get the intimacy of a physical meeting without breaking shelter-in-place rules. Find a secure video conferencing platform that will allow you to talk to your patients without worrying about anyone jumping on the call and compromising your patient/ practitioner confidentiality. Providing healthcare services remotely is a challenge, particularly when you have to adapt quickly. Use these tips to help your healthcare practice stay viable and continue to offer your patients the treatments and support they need to stay happy and healthy.
