Delivering Remote Healthcare Services

Advances in technology are creating new opportunities for North American healthcare organizations to meet growing consumer demand services in a cost-effective manner.  Digital videoconferencing services now allow specialists to “examine” patients in remote locations with the assistance of an on-site nurse or PA. Digital radiographic reports can be sent anywhere in the world with the click of a mouse. Within a few years, physicians will be able to easily review a patient’s electronic medical or health record (EMR or EHR) from office, home or hotel room.

One of the more intriguing recent developments in technology is the mobile robot – a communications device that can be operated by a professional in a remote location. In May, a California company called Anybots unveiled its QB telepresence robot, which resembles a two-wheeled Segway vehicle with a stylized “head.” It’s actually a videoconference system on wheels.  “We wanted to create a technology that allows remote workers to collaborate more fully and feel part of the team,” said company founder and CEO Trevor Blackwell in an interview at the time.

Certainly, the healthcare industry could use a mobile videoconference system in a number of ways to improve service delivery and staffing efficiency. For instance, a physician could move the robot around for 360-degree look at an injured or comatose patient in the examination room. The device could also be moved out of the patient’s hearing for a confidential discussion with healthcare personnel on site. Academic medical centers could “rent” two-way robots to physicians who want to participate in grand rounds, but cannot be physically present.  And healthcare providers, office managers and supervisors could attend staff meetings at satellite offices without the need for travel time.  And those are just a few of the applications that may become possible in the next decade.

While healthcare staffing has always been a people business, technology is becoming a key differentiator for firms like All Medical Personnel. Being able to provide customized usage reports, sophisticated compliance systems, and real-time information on the contingent workforce are valuable services for today’s healthcare organizations.  At the same time, job candidates rely on search technology to find a suitable position.

This year, staffing firms across the country are investing in information technology (IT) services, according to a recent report by Staffing Industry Analysts. In its 2010 Staffing Company Survey, firms were asked: “Over the next 12 months, what are your expectations regarding your company’s spend on:

• Technology,

• Internal staff development/training

• Marketing/advertising

• Branded materials/promotional items

• Insurance/risk management

• Job boards/career sites

• Tradeshows/conferences

First on the firms’ list was technology, followed by training, marketing and promotional items. The survey also found that firms on the professional side of staffing were most likely to increase their spend on technology this year.

All Medical Personnel is definitely among the major technology spenders. Since our founding in 1990, we have constantly invested in our database, reporting, search, compliance and communications tools to remain ahead of the technology curve.

In recent months, we have focused on updating our website, adding new services, features and functions for our clients. We understand the special training, licensing and compliance requirements in healthcare, as well as the need for skilled, motivated and productive employees – and our website reflects that knowledge and experience.

Our site also has enhanced search functions to assist physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals search for jobs in their local communities or in different areas of the country.   We invite you to keep checking our website regularly for future developments.

1.800.706.2378

When it comes to staffing, healthcare organizations hate unpleasant surprises. A felony conviction, falsified resume or failure to pass a drug screen can have serious compliance consequences for the entire organization. That’s why it’s essential for healthcare staffing vendors to have a thorough background screening process in place – one that mirrors the organization’s own policies and procedures. A vendor who can deliver that customized service provides peace of mind – as well as potential time and cost savings – to the human resources team.

While small or mid-size staffing companies may find it difficult to comply with an organization’s hiring requirements, All Medical Personnel has a dedicated Compliance Department that independently manages the complete background screening process. Our Compliance Department ensures that all placements comply with applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. We also track changes in credentialing and joint commission requirements, as well as any revisions to state and federal regulations.

Mirroring client requirements

In keeping with All Medical Personnel’s client-focused approach, our Compliance Department has the ability to customize the background screening process to mirror a healthcare organization’s specific requirements – a significant benefit to the HR and risk management departments.

Using a proprietary software application, All Medical Personnel can prepare a customized screening profile that precisely matches the organization’s criteria, including:

• All background checks

• Drug tests

• Certifications and licenses

• Primary source verifications

• Education verifications

• Government sanction checks

• Social security verifications

• OSHA training requirements

• HIPAA compliance

• Any other mandated screening requirements

This independent process removes the potential for human error and ensures all candidates meet the organization’s screening requirements. Our proprietary software program also tracks, audits and stores these documents in a secure electronic format for convenient retrieval if necessary.

For more information please contact our Compliance department at 1-800-834-0729.