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Healthcare technicalities

Maiendra Moodley looks at how technology answers the specific challenges in the healthcare industry.

In this industry sector there are two complementary aspects to security. The first is physical security at the premises, which includes the monitoring of staff, patients, visitors and so on. It goes without saying that this is a priority for any healthcare operation.

Beyond that, there is the matter of the large amount of confidential records that are maintained, including details of both staff and patients. These records are critically important because they are the focus of various legislative requirements and they are a critical support for efficient and effective medical treatment.

Rigorous document management and records security is even more important in healthcare than in financial services. Both industries deal with confidential information that has to be handled in keeping with local legislation and international best practices. However, healthcare deals with situations where access to information can save lives, whereas financial services just deals with records where mistakes can be corrected afterwards.

In healthcare, both time and accuracy of records are absolutely critical. It is vital that the properly authorised people can access information in a way that is immediate and strictly controlled. The right information technology answers these needs.

The desired solutions provide the support for physical and/or biometric access control at the premises, integration with the IT network so that users can only access information with predetermined permissions and further integration with other back-offices systems such as HR and billing.

Firstly, this ensures that the policies and legal obligations of the organisation are met, managed and monitored. It also ensures that the right people have immediate access to accurate, critical information in real-time. Apart from the medical and treatment aspects, the right software provides further benefits for the organisation.

These management solutions improve cost controls and eliminate the duplication of expensive tests and procedures. Actual cost of treatment is a primary concern in healthcare for both patients and service providers. Beyond that, improved access to information makes treatment more efficient and effective.

Finally, having authorised, remote access to vital records means that a patient can be treated even at a rural clinic with expert advice and consultation, reducing the need to move patients around the country, which can be a waste of time and money.

Apart from addressing security needs, the right management software improves service delivery in a way that can improve or save lives.

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