Time management and seamless patient-provider communication are the heart of a successful healthcare practice. The COVID-19 public health crisis only highlighted the need to implement state-of-the-art automated healthcare cloud communications systems to speed up the exchange of information within a clinical facility and maximize human resources.
With the acceleration of the digital transformation driven by COVID-19, cloud automation proliferates across all industries. The global cloud automation market is projected to reach $414.85 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.39%.
Leaders in the healthcare industry are embracing cloud automation for repetitive tasks as they brace for another eventful era. Automating routine communications like sending appointment reminders and managing electronic health records (EHRs) reduces workers’ mental load. It gives them the ability to focus on what matters most: the delivery of high-quality patient care.
What is Healthcare Cloud Automation?
Healthcare cloud automation combines the accessibility and security of cloud technology with the efficiency of automated capabilities for better productivity, enhanced employee experiences, and improved patient outcomes.
Cloud computing improves the interoperability of complex medical technology ecosystems, streamlining data management and seamlessly transferring important information like EHRs or other patient documents. Data stored in a private or hybrid cloud can be accessed from any location and on just about any device, meaning care isn’t constrained to the clinical setting.
Automation can be applied to various healthcare tasks, reducing manual errors while improving productivity. Examples of automated healthcare communications include:
- Appointment scheduling
- Billing and claims processing
- Medication refills
- Test result notifications
- Remote monitoring device alerts
With the implementation of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology, automating healthcare communications offers even more ways for providers to engage with their patients without putting additional strain on employees. Virtual agents, chatbots, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems are instant, self-service ways for patients to access information about their health quickly.
The Benefits of Automating Healthcare Communications
Healthcare cloud automation revolutionizes patient experiences and medical processes. It empowers patients with self-service options and round-the-clock options for communication while facilitating seamless collaboration among care staff. The digital transformation optimizes employee workflow, enhances cost-effectiveness, and ensures maximum data security and compliance. The top benefits include:
Improved Patient Satisfaction
Today’s patients prefer self-service, digital-first approaches to life, including healthcare. Patient portals, online EHR management, and 24/7 virtual assistance give patients more agency over their medical journey. Cloud-based communications are omnichannel, so patients can use their preferred devices to contact their providers. Remote access to their physician can be a lifeline for recovering or homebound patients.
Enhanced Collaboration and Communication
Cloud communications technology consolidates and streamlines the exchange of critical information across all staff and departments, so providers can easily collaborate on treatment plans. Automated document uploads, record sharing, and alerts keep the medical team up-to-date with the latest information. AI-assisted call routing and softphone functionality allow doctors and nurses to quickly contact each other for critical updates, regardless of location.
Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Healthcare cloud automation can streamline and optimize staff workflow for the best use of resources. Real-time data analytics can help identify fluctuations in system usage, so employees can be assigned during peak periods to better manage patient needs. Virtual agents can easily handle basic questions, escalating complicated tickets to human representatives along with interaction history and suggested paths for resolution. AI can even monitor patient sentiment throughout a conversation, preparing agents for emotionally charged interactions.
Better Cost-effectiveness and Scalability
Modernizing or expanding traditional telephony systems or complex medical software solutions can be difficult and expensive. Automating healthcare communications in the cloud makes it simple to scale as an organization’s needs change. For example, a hospital building adding a new wing can quickly put extra emergency phones in each room or add new lines for nurses’ stations. Cloud communications automatically receive the latest updates, so the latest features are always available immediately.
Stronger Data Security and Compliance
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are vulnerable targets for hackers, and life-saving operations can halt if computer systems are compromised. Hosting sensitive medical information in a private or hybrid cloud adds a layer of security with firewalls, encryption, and access controls to keep private data out of the wrong hands. The right cloud-based healthcare software maintains compliance with the latest regulatory standards like PCI DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA for peace of mind.
Healthcare cloud automation offers user-friendly omnichannel platforms for more efficient communication, streamlined collaboration, and scalability. It builds patient trust by facilitating communication with their care team while guaranteeing enhanced privacy for sensitive data. By automating healthcare communications, medical organizations set the stage for healthier patient-provider relationships.
Key Features of Healthcare Cloud Automation Solutions
Automated healthcare cloud communications solutions offer a range of features designed to enhance efficiency, improve patient engagement, and streamline provider interactions. The best-unified communications and collaboration (UCC) platforms combine:
- Real-time data analytics and reporting: Enable instant access to critical patient information for data-driven decisions and proactive care.
- Workflow automation and optimization: Improve efficiency by automating routine tasks like appointment scheduling and billing so providers can focus on patient interactions.
- Secure private or hybrid cloud storage: Protect sensitive data with features like firewalls and encryption and comply with industry regulations.
- Seamless document sharing: Share patient records quickly and securely for improved collaboration and innovative treatments.
- Customizable dashboards and interfaces: Give healthcare providers easy access to patient information in a unified, user-friendly platform.
- Integration with existing systems and applications: Get a holistic view of patient data across the organization with seamless integration with other systems.
Automating healthcare communications in the cloud empowers institutions to provide efficient, secure, patient-centered care.
Here's how Mitel Customers are Improving Patient Interactions>
Choose Mitel UCC Solutions for Superior Healthcare Cloud Communications
Choosing the right tools to enhance healthcare communications and automate repetitive tasks can be complicated. From solid and resilient cloud infrastructure to integrating cloud-based resources with on-site applications, every function within the solution must keep the organization’s unique needs in mind.
Mitel offers high-performance private and hybrid cloud solutions for healthcare communications, enabling the automation of critical functions for resilient workforces and better patient outcomes.
Our UCC solutions include telephony systems and communications apps that empower staff and patients with user-friendly voice, video, chat, messaging, and team collaboration tools. Mitel’s UCC platform delivers top-quality performance, reliability, and security to healthcare organizations around the globe.
MiContact Center is the foundation for exceptional omnichannel patient experience, with features including interaction routing, self-service IVR, performance analytics, real-time dashboards, and workforce optimization tools. Healthcare providers can work from anywhere with Mitel’s attendant consoles. A PC-based call-handling platform for doctors and nurses, an operator console turns any computer into a mobile contact center.
To discover how your organization can migrate to the cloud and automate repetitive communications for improved patient and provider experiences, please contact one of our healthcare experts and request a quote.