The recent rise in popularity of telehealth and virtual visits has opened the door for many hospitals to utilize AV/VC technology more than ever.
But as healthcare professionals see the true value in audio visual and video conferencing systems for their facilities, we can expect usage to go far beyond telehealth in the coming years.
Based on emerging trends, here are some ways hospitals will utilize AV/VC technology in the future:
1. Using interactive digital displays for patient education and entertainment
Digital displays are becoming more advanced and interactive. By strategically placing them throughout the hospital, patients can access information that’s relevant to them and/or that helps them make informed medical decisions.
Interactive displays can serve an entertainment purpose too, especially in units like pediatrics. Allowing patients to focus on something other than their hospital stay will put them in better spirits and help alleviate stress. In some cases where visitor access may be restricted, interactive displays can help patients stay in touch with loved ones via video chat, which is a very effective way to make a patient more comfortable and relaxed.
2. Wireless capabilities for interconnected devices
In the hospital setting, it’s essential for many monitors and devices to be interconnected and/or usable in many different parts of the hospital. However, wires and plugs can slow down emergency care and pose a safety hazard for those who need to move quickly.
Wireless capabilities for interconnected devices allow for seamless transition of care and ensure better capability with network configurations, video conferencing, and software needs. The future will see hospitals move to a wireless environment, and advancing AV/VC technology is a great way to do so.
3. Better access to real-world training for medical students
While training labs are far more advanced than ever before, they still don’t allow students of medical professions to get a real-time look into a hospital setting. High-quality video conferencing solutions, however, can bring students into operating rooms, hospital rooms, and emergency situations that they may not otherwise have access to.
This also opens the door for students to observe treatments in facilities that have state of the art equipment or specialty departments that may not be near the schools they attend. The next generation of medical professionals will potentially be the most prepared and well-rounded, thanks to AV/VC technology allowing them to access higher levels of training.
4. Resource sharing between doctors and staff at different hospitals and locations
There is strength in numbers when it comes to healthcare. Doctors and other care providers can learn from each other, seek additional opinions, and collaborate on treatment plans from different physical locations with video conferencing technology.
This is also a game changer for conferences, as care providers don’t need to spend time and resources traveling to attend conferences with world-renowned specialists; they can simply join from their hospital or office and still remain in close proximity to patients who need them.
For healthcare facilities that are looking to get on the ground floor of these emerging trends, now is the time to make sure your AV/VC systems are up to the challenge.
We recommend starting by setting up a consultation with an AV integrator, like IVCi, who specializes in designing, implementing, and supporting AV/VC technology for hospitals and healthcare networks. Contact us today to get started!
