When lives could be on the line, unified communications should be a priority. By using real-time methods of communication, UC empowers care teams to respond quickly to crises and unpredictable client conditions. Additionally, UC cuts down on unnecessary and redundant data entry. Currently, clinicians spend about 43 percent of their time doing data entry tasks, while only spending 28 percent of their time with patients. By keeping all clinicians and staff on the same page, healthcare organizations can expect clinicians to spend less time on data entry, and more time communicating with their patients. This ultimately enables a better standard of care.
Unified communications also give easy access to patient data to all privy parties. Patients are now able to log into patient portals and access a wealth of information about their health at their fingertips. Previously, learning this information meant calling the doctor’s office and being placed on long holds. Then, staff members would initiate the tedious process of finding, copying, and giving the patient their records in person. Now, between text reminders, emails with links to secure data, and the ability to refill prescriptions online, pressure on care staff has reduced. Patients and providers both benefit from UC’s optimization on quality, safety, speed, outcomes, and cost of care across the organization.