O2 Health has launched in the UK a new telehealth service, ‘Side by Side’, following a successful trial with NHS Western Isles in Scotland, which demonstrated improved clinician productivity, a 30% reduction in travel costs, and fewer appointment cancellations. A secure software solution, Side by Side enables clinicians to use their office computers to link up electronically and conduct “personal and effective remote patient-clinician consultations”. It incorporates video, audio, and chat functionality, plus a digital whiteboard for on-the-spot diagrams and annotations.
Deployable across multiple sites to enable real-time sharing of case notes, X-rays, scans, test results, and DICOM images (e.g. ultrasounds, laparoscopies and electro cardiograms), the system works within the N3 network, and thus supports “highly sensitive” patient information. It is said to be easy and cost-effective to install, utilising conventional computers and broadband, with no need for new hardware or a dedicated room.
Western Isles medical director, James Ward, said: “The Side by Side solution used during the trial was shaped in partnership, leveraging health service knowledge and clinical resources from NHS Western Isles, and technology expertise and innovation from O2 Health. While we have used video conferencing in some circumstances before, Side by Side has demonstrated how we could transform the way we deliver health services to our community. Our consultants have seen benefits in their day-to-day schedules immediately – including greater efficiency, an ability to respond to patient care needs quickly, and a reduction in the need to travel. It allows them to spend more time on what they do best – communicating with patients.”
Eighty per cent of the 33 clinicians who trialled the system said their ability to see patients sooner had increased, 67% reported being better able to diagnose due to having access to all patient records, and 64% believed future capacity would be “better or much better” due to improved time management and less time spent travelling.
The five main participating clinicians reclaimed 98 hours of travel time in just four weeks, while 02 Health says patients were “delighted with the service”, found it easy to use, and “greatly appreciated not needing to travel for consultations and the consistency provided by being able to see the same consultant”. Over the four-week trial, nine patient cancellations were avoided.
Preparations are now underway to extend the telehealth technology’s use into Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy, delivery of Psychological Therapies, and Paediatrics, this year.
