Virtualization may be the next big trend in medicine

Data virtualization is on the cutting edge of next level productivity and interoperability in the business world. And as and more and more medical professionals adopt online practices, it appears that virtualization and cloud computing may be the next frontier for healthcare practitioners as well.

“We need to stress the fact that healthcare is going to be virtualized very soon,” said Dr. Andrew Watson of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s (UPMC) Center for Connected Medicine in an article for Mobile Health News. “In this world, the data that we need is going to be living in a virtual world.”

According to the article, Watson’s practice is currently running one third of its operations on a cloud system, allowing him to effectively practice telemedecine, the process of using technology to provide medical services remotely.

With these technological advances, Watson is able to vastly extend the reach of his services. Because so much patient data is stored virtually, Watson is reportedly able to engage in the practice of “tele-rounding,” in which he uses a technologically equipped cart to virtually consult with patients.

Watson is consequently able to manage his time more efficiently because virtual consultations can all be done from one central location, which eliminates his need to spend time in transit. The article mentions that his company’s virtualization has even allowed him to have successful meetings with patients while traveling in India and Mexico.

Virtualization also benefits the patients, as their ability to virtually meet with a doctor also provides them greater access to electronic medical records and test results.

Considering the marked benefits that virtualization is having on the healthcare sector, facility managers should consider speaking with a provider of VoIP telephony systems. Many of these businesses are able to offer cloud computing and virtualization consultation that can allow a facility managers to better understand how they could enhance patient satisfaction and their staff’s time management by outsourcing data to a managed IT service.

Virtualization also benefits the patients, as their ability to virtually meet with a doctor also provides them greater access to electronic medical records and test results.