In November 2017, BT announced that BT Openreach will end all telephone communications that operate by copper-based networks by turning off the PSTN (Public Services Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) by December 2025.
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, healthcare providers need efficient and reliable communication systems to ensure seamless collaboration and improved patient care. Traditional telephone systems, such as Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), have served the industry well for decades. However, with the upcoming PSTN and ISDN switch-off in 2025, healthcare organisations must explore alternative solutions to meet their communication needs. This is where cloud-based telephone systems step in, offering a range of benefits that revolutionise communication in the healthcare industry. This blog post will explore the advantages and applications of cloud-based telephone systems in healthcare.
Cost-Efficiency
Care considerations are crucial in the healthcare industry, where organisations must find ways to optimise resources without compromising patient care. Cloud-based telephone systems offer significant cost savings compared to traditional phone systems. By eliminating the need for upgrades, healthcare providers can reduce operational expenses. Cloud-based systems often offer flexible pricing models, allowing organisations to scale their communication needs.
Enhanced Flexibility
Cloud-based telephone systems provide healthcare professionals with unprecedented flexibility. By leveraging the power of the cloud, medical staff can access their communication system from any device with an internet connection. This flexibility improves responsiveness, enables better collaboration, and enhances patient care.
Scalability and Reliability
Healthcare organisations experience varying call volumes and communication demands, particularly during peak periods or emergencies. Cloud-based telephone systems seamlessly provide the scalability needed to accommodate these variations. Service providers can easily adjust the system’s capacity, add or remove lines, and scale resources as needed, ensuring uninterrupted communication. Moreover, cloud-based systems are designed with robust redundancy and disaster recovery mechanisms, reducing the risk of service disruptions and maintaining communication continuity even during unexpected events.
Advanced Call Routing and Customisation
Cloud-based telephone systems offer advanced call routing capabilities that are particularly valuable in healthcare. Calls can be intelligently routed based on specific criteria, such as the nature of the call or the caller’s identity. For instance, incoming calls can be directed to the appropriate department or individual based on the patient’s needs, ensuring prompt and accurate assistance. Customisable call flows and automated menus also allow healthcare organisations to tailor the communication experience to their specific requirements, improving efficiency and patient satisfaction.
