A recent study in the U.S. has revealed the incredible potential of SMS services to improve cost and time efficiency across a range of healthcare services.
The Imprivata Report on the Economic Impact of Inefficient Communications in Healthcare surveyed more than 400 healthcare providers in the U.S. The survey was about the typical communications process during three clinical workflows: patient admissions, coordinating emergency response teams and patient transfers.
Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that significant time is wasted unnecessarily during each basic process. The report said this was mostly because of the inefficiency of some communications mediums being used and the lack of secure text messaging strategies.
The report shockingly found an estimated annual economic impact of about $1.7 million per U.S. hospital and more than $11 billion across the industry. Respondents agreed that the use of secure text messaging could increase productivity and eliminate about half of this huge economic loss.
The potential of SMS strategies to improve healthcare services is not exclusive to the U.S. Here in Australia, communication in healthcare is achieved through a number of different technological channels. Like respondents of the U.S. survey, we’ve found that some of these channels have proved insufficient. Incorporating more SMS strategies in clinical communication here could deliver similar positive results, saving Australian healthcare providers valuable time and money.
From appointment reminders to shift scheduling, Australian Healthcare Industry leaders like Bupa are already utilising the power of SMS. SMS strategies across Australian healthcare are allowing for efficient communication and helping staff to provide patients with the best possible service.Although, with studies like this showing the economic and time-management benefits of SMS, all of our healthcare providers should start considering ways to incorporate SMS communication strategies.If your business would like to take advantage of the possibilities of SMS in healthcare, or in any industry for that matter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today on 1300 764 946 or email [email protected].
Prachi Bametha
Marketing Coordinator, Esendex Australia