Effective communication between a service provider and user is perhaps more vital in the healthcare industry than in any other sector. That goes some way to explain why tried and tested methods of communication have been difficult to move away from. However, as much as phone calls, emails, and in-person visits are reliable and familiar, they can also be slow, laborious, and prone to human error. With the sector under ever-increasing pressure around the world to make efficiencies and to find innovative ways of delivering healthcare, alternative channels of communication are starting to come to the fore. New technologies such as the WhatsApp for Business platform have been expanding their features and can now provide a secure, versatile, and instant form of communication for healthcare facilities that allow for more efficient management of appointments and consultations.
Let's take a look at how WhatsApp is being implemented within the healthcare sector to provide virtual patient consultations and how it can improve communication within the sector.
Security of Information
Patient privacy and data security are key to any well-functioning communication in the healthcare industry. WhatsApp provides an extra layer of security for personal information shared between both sides of the conversation, with all communication being securely encrypted. This means that patient data is kept in confidence and protected from malicious activity and securely stored for future use. With solid authentication and verification processes available through WhatsApp, patients and providers can be confident that they are safe.
Streamlined Initial Assessments
WhatsApp can be effectively used to steer users toward the appropriate healthcare professional. Patients can use the app to describe their requirements, find the appropriate type of practitioner they would like to see, and provide relevant information before a face-to-face meeting. This allows for a more accurate assessment of patient needs and enables healthcare professionals to determine which specialist or practitioner is most appropriate.
Booking Appointments
WhatsApp can also be used to arrange convenient appointment times with clients. Healthcare professionals can use the app to request additional information from patients and send reminders about upcoming appointments. This allows for an efficient exchange of data between both sides, streamlining the process and providing a more client-facing approach.
Video Consultations
WhatsApp calls can, in some cases be a viable alternative to in-person visits. When it's appropriate, the app can provide a convenient experience for the patient and is also an efficient use of time and resources for the healthcare provider. Whilst never being a replacement for in-person visits, such appointments can be useful to assess the next steps that are required. In certain circumstances, WhatsApp calls can also be helpful to provide emergency care for patients who may not have immediate access to the help they need. First aid advice, direction, and reassurance can be delivered over video call whilst the patient waits for help to arrive.
Issuing and Delivery of Prescriptions
WhatsApp can also be used to issue prescriptions and arrange for their delivery. Healthcare professionals and patients can use the app to send prescriptions, liaise with pharmacists, track their progress, and ultimately, ensure that medication is received on time.
Lab Reports
The WhatsApp platform can also be used to provide test results to patients for procedures they may have undergone. Healthcare professionals can then use the app to share their interpretation of the results or to arrange a follow-up appointment if an in-person explanation is required.
Make Payments
If payment is due for any procedure or appointment, or if paperwork needs to be shared for an insurance claim, WhatsApp can also be used to facilitate this. The Healthcare facility can integrate the WhatsApp for Business platform with their internal CRM and a secure payment gateway to allow patients to make transactions without having to leave their homes.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has taken the traditional methods of communication and streamlined them to provide a more efficient way for healthcare professionals to interact with patients. That's not to say that the traditional methods should be abandoned, indeed, they are often more appropriate in many situations, such as when dealing with elderly people or those with limited access to technology.
However, with WhatsApp, providers can offer better healthcare provisions for millions of people and ensure an increase in privacy, security, and personal data protection. Patient data can be shared in confidence by ensuring that all communication is securely encrypted and used to provide personalized services. WhatsApp is paving the way for the future of healthcare with its innovative technology and is proving to be a powerful tool for improving patient care.
To speak to one of Unifonic's experts on how to make the most of WhatsApp in your healthcare facility, contact us today
