Video Conferencing for Home Healthcare

By Jerry Olsen
Updated: May 09, 2012

Video Conferencing for Home Healthcare

Due to overwhelming reliability and reduced cost of video conferencing equipment and reduced cost of ownership, home health care organizations can now use this technology in order to address a long list of educational, managerial, and patient challenges and services.

Video conferencing solutions create virtual meeting experiences so realistic, participants feel as if they are in the same room as their physician. By using the latest innovations in video conferencing, you can simulate the same patient-to-doctor relationship traditionally experienced in hospitals and examination rooms.

Many video conferencing providers offer reliable solutions that are designed specifically to meet the needs of any healthcare organization.

The following are some of the benefits that health care organizations receive by using video conferencing technology:

Cost Savings

Patients receive treatment from the comfort of their home, and as a result, they curtail the high cost of extended hospital stays. When bedside care is needed, physicians and nurses are just a phone call away.

Knowledge Transfer

Physicians can easily share their expertise and consult with other colleagues across the country and around the globe regarding any healthcare issues and questions that may arise. Health care specialists can provide guidance, offering life-saving advice in a timely manner.

Remote Access

In-home patients have access to remote specialists so that they can receive up-to-date information about their illness. Today, physicians that specialize in all types of illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, prenatal (or neonatal care), and other diseases use video conferencing to reach hundreds of patients on a regular basis.

Patient Retention

Video conferencing healthcare within the home helps reduce the need for transferring patients from one facility to another. As a result, the high cost of health care can be reduced considerably.

Training and Scheduling

Video conferencing technology helps facilitate Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements and other medical training as needed. In terms of scheduling, physicians can treat more patients by reducing travel time.

The American Heart Association (AHA) also claims that video conferencing can be as effective as a bedside exam for assessing stroke patients. It enables stroke experts to communicate with patients, family members, and on-site health care providers on a real-time basis.

Lastly, video conferencing health care technology provides a vehicle for keeping in touch with patients and family members. In the long run, this relatively new technology improves the quality of health care, reduces travel expenses, and saves you money.

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