StarLeaf, a company dedicated to supporting and enabling seamless collaboration through reliable and intelligent meeting room systems recently released some new research into the healthcare environment. In the UK, data uncovered through a recent Freedom of Information request revealed that NHS trusts are in serious trouble. Although 80% of these trusts implement video conferencing, 56% of locations do not have a training process in place. This means that staff is unable to use their video tools correctly.
This is problematic, because support for the N3 network for care and health in the UK, with its videoconferencing add-on will be ending this year. This means that Trusts will be forced to transition into a new network without its own video or collaboration system built-in. To learn more, StarLeaf sent the Freedom of Information request to 80 NHS trusts across the UK, to find out which tools staff are commonly using to communicate and understand the challenges that face trusts when enabling collaboration.
Embracing Video for the NHS
StarLeaf’s research discovered that 74% of trusts are using video conferencing as a primary means of communication, while 48% are planning to introduce virtual consultants or appointments via video in the near future. The research also revealed that video systems in the NHS are often overly complex. When this is the case, it hampers the communication among staff, with the risk of them shunning applications that have been approved by IT. Often, employees are turning to Shadow IT services instead, such as WhatsApp, for communication.
The decision to use Shadow IT solutions instead of approved services could have a serious impact on the privacy and security of patient data across the NHS. CTO for StarLeaf, Mark Loney, commented on the recent research. He said that effective communication needs to be a backbone for any company or Trust. Unfortunately, the evidence revealed by the StarLeaf study suggest serious issues.
When teams are faced with problematic video conferencing equipment and an absence of the right training, they often turn to familiar tools like WhatsApp. This puts Trusts at significant risk of security breaches. Loney went on to say that NHS staff still perform crucial roles. The groups don’t want to be hindered by complicated communication technology. It’s important that these trusts are able to communicate share, and collaborate properly, with a conferencing solution that’s secure, reliable, and simple.
