In the healthcare sector, effective and prompt communication is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ but a ‘must-have’ thing. Effective communication is the cornerstone of quality healthcare.
For organizations in all other sectors, well-timed and fast communication can mean the difference between satisfied and dissatisfied customers. For healthcare organizations, it can mean the difference between life and death!
That’s why healthcare organizations need to do whatever it takes to ensure the smooth functioning of both internal and external communication.
That includes leveraging the right technology tools such as a sophisticated and reliable Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange (IP PBX) system.
This blog post discusses why healthcare organizations need the right IP PBX systems for better internal and external communication. Read on and thank us later.
A Brief History of PBX and IP PBX Systems in the Healthcare Industry
Healthcare organizations have always been at the forefront when it comes to the adoption of the latest technologies, starting from treating and curing patients to communicating with them and other stakeholders.
When the traditional telephone system was first introduced in the late 1870s, the healthcare industry was among the first few sectors to use the newly invented communication technology for internal and external communication.
Later, when Private Automated Branch Exchanges (PABX) systems were introduced in the 1960s, the healthcare sector was among the early adopters. It leveraged the technology to enable its employees to connect within a building or connect to an outside line without going through a receptionist.
In the 1970s, the term Private Branch Exchange (PBX) was used for the first time. It referred to a privately owned (and privately operated) telephone network that comprised extensions and wired connections for exchanging phone calls.
The introduction of Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange (IP PBX) systems in 1997 enabled healthcare organizations to leverage the Internet for making and receiving calls. Not only that, it helped them avoid the complicated and cumbersome wired extensions associated with traditional PBX systems.
Stats Associated with IP PBX Systems in the Healthcare Industry
Since 1997, the healthcare sector has been one of the major users of IP PBX systems compared with all other sectors.
According to a report released by Research and Markets, the global IP PBX market is expected to grow from USD 28.51 billion in 2023 to USD 32.40 billion in 2024, and then to USD 72.57 billion by 2030.
This is due to the increasing demand for IP PBX systems, and the introduction of new applications for large businesses in the healthcare sector.
As per a report released by Graphical Research, the healthcare sector is projected to hold above 30 percent share by 2027 at a CAGR of above 10 percent.
Benefits of IP PBX Systems for the Healthcare Sector
Since the advent of IP PBX, the healthcare organizations that used the transformative communication technology have benefited immensely. Whether it’s communication between departments, with patients, or with external stakeholders, IP PBX systems not only ensure effective and clear communication but also enhance operational efficiency. Here are some benefits of IP PBX systems:
1. Streamlined Collaboration
In the healthcare sector, collaboration among various departments is critical. The quality of patient care is directly proportional to the level of collaboration and communication team members have with each other.
When teams and departments work together, the workload of each member is evenly distributed and the quality of patient care increases. This is where advanced IP PBX systems facilitate seamless communication between different departments and healthcare professionals.
2. Enhanced Patient Engagement
Patient engagement is extremely crucial in the healthcare sector. As Dr. Alexandra T. Greenhill, co-founder, CEO, and chief medical officer at Careteam Technologies, said “Bringing the patient into digital should be the true definition of patient-centered and patient engagement.”
Patient engagement means the active involvement of patients in their healthcare. By providing quick and accessible communication, advanced IP PBX systems enable patients to be actively involved with healthcare providers.
3. Improved Responsiveness
Iconic British business person Anita Roddick rightly said, “Speed, agility and responsiveness are the keys to future success.” The third element—responsiveness— is extremely essential for the healthcare sector. Prompt response and resolution is at the heart of healthcare.
IP PBX systems help in enhancing responsiveness of healthcare professionals. When healthcare organizations respond to patients’ calls in a timely manner, they can literally save lives.
4. Robust Security Features
Healthcare organizations must make sure that their communication systems are robust and hack-proof. That’s because these organizations deal with a huge volume of sensitive patient data and information. A single instance of data breach can compromise the privacy of thousands of people.
The financial ramifications and trust issues resulting from the breach can cause massive damage to a healthcare institution. To prevent the downsides, healthcare organizations should consider leveraging reliable and robustly encrypted IP PBX systems.
5. Massive Cost Savings
Last but not the least; traditional communication tools can never match the cost efficiency of IP PBX systems. The former require substantial upfront investments in specialized hardware, equipment, wiring, installation and maintenance fees, as well as the cost to hire a dedicated team of telecom experts.
But healthcare organizations that leverage IP PBX systems need not worry about any such cost. Sophisticated IP PBX systems leverage the internet to make and receive calls and messages. They don’t need any specialized hardware or equipment. Just a computer system connected to a stable internet connection is sufficient enough.
Taking Everything Into Account,
Advanced IP PBX systems are not just a technological upgrade; they are a critical component of effective communication in healthcare.
By enhancing internal collaboration, improving patient engagement, ensuring security, and providing cost-effective solutions, these systems empower healthcare organizations to deliver better patient care and operate more efficiently.
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