Tandberg video conferencing sales up 39% in UK healthcare sector

In the last six months Tandberg has added Dorset, Winchester and Eastleigh NHS Trusts to its portfolio of customers. 

The rise has been driven by a mix of government regulation and budget restraints, forcing NHS Trusts to invest in telemedicine services to cut costs.

Steve Woollett, head of public sector business at Tandberg UK commented; “Videoconferencing has a role to play across three key areas of healthcare operations; clinical, medical education and in a corporate function such as meetings, human resources (HR) and planning. The clinical area is where we have seen the most growth and interest.’
 
‘Specialisms adopting visual communications include neonatal emergency surgical referral, assessment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis, remote diagnosis to community hospitals of chest pain and deep veined thrombosis,’ continued Woollett. ‘There has also been a successful remote diagnosis trial using video conferencing for ultrasound operated by nurses under supervision by a clinician.’
 
Regulation has also played a part in the changing healthcare landscape. The Kings Fund Report published in November 2008 about the use of technology to improve patient outcomes, patient experience, and service delivery stated that the NHS is a slow adopter of modern technology; and this has to improve.
 
This change, according to the Report should begin at the top; starting with the Department of Health (DoH) and implemented at all levels, including strategic health authorities and NHS trusts.
 
‘The new doctors training program has been another big driver as the new junior doctors all leave medical school and take up posts in hospitals at the same time,’continued Woollett. ‘They need close supervision and support, and video supports expertise and consultancy being delivered over video. In addition to this, the new junior doctors’ working hours have increased the need for out of hours support and senior doctor contribution.’