Cloud computing could provide solutions for rural healthcare shortage

VoIP business phones help small business owners across the country work more efficiently and conserve resources. For example, the cloud computing solutions provided by this technology can allow professionals to let their employees work more easily from remote locations and even engage in videoconferencing.

While this has advantages in a business setting, small healthcare providers may be able to treat patients in under-served communities more easily with this type of resource. However, for VoIP telephony services to provide solutions, doctors in these areas need to embrace new technologies.

“Access to care is crucial, but in Missouri, there are regions that don’t have enough primary care professionals to serve residents,” Thomas McAuliffe, policy analyst for the Missouri Foundation for Health, told the Columbia Daily Tribune.

In Missouri, for instance, members of the Missouri Hospital Association are calling the shortage of physicians “severe,” and are looking to take measures that would increase access to medical treatment in the state. According to a report by the organization released this year, in the rural areas of the state, there is only about one primary care physician for every 1,776 residents, the Tribune reports.

Videoconferencing could help reduce this concern, as doctors could see patients without traveling between facilities. In addition, they could use cloud computing to share files with other professionals while conversing with them about patients from the comfort of their office.

Due to the benefits this type of technology could provide, doctors or the managers of small medical facilities may be able to benefit by speaking with a trusted VoIP provider. With so much on the plates of today’s doctors, having a company that provides installation and support can also be beneficial.

In addition, they could use cloud computing to share files with other professionals while conversing with them about patients from the comfort of their office.