Colombia. On April 12, the National Government issued Decree 538, aimed at strengthening and improving the health services provided in Colombia in this particular period of pandemic. One of the measures included is aimed at promoting Telehealth in the country. Particularly the new decree allows that through the use of technology that includes an Audio and Video solution, the diagnosis and remote care of the patient can be carried out.
Now is when the country must demonstrate these advances to face the pandemic and the "new normal", trying to prevent the health system from exceeding its capacity. So, beyond promoting telehealth services in hard-to-reach territories, this model has become an alternative for Health Promoting Entities (EPS) to continue caring for their patients from a distance and, at the same time, protect their lives and that of their medical team.
In this scenario, Cisco, based on the constant support for the resolution of global problems with the use of technologies that can positively impact society, has been doing important work with different health entities in the region facilitating solutions in the area of teleworking telehealth and security, among others.
"We are very proud to be able to support through our collaborators and partners with the implementation of technological solutions that have allowed continuity in the provision of health services; and to offer the possibility of remaining securely connected with co-workers, family and friends," says Javier Castro, Country Manager of Cisco Colombia.
Collaboration, mobility, networking, security and data center technologies enable remote and secure communication between medical staff, patients and the administrative team, limiting their physical contact and, consequently, reducing the risk of exposure and contagion of the disease. In addition, these connection systems are also useful in the adaptation of hospitals and temporary clinics when required.
Whether through video conferencing, audio, calls and chats in real time, doctors can be in constant communication with other doctors and scientists to share valuable information, or respond to advice that can lead to a more accurate diagnosis of a patient. And for those who find themselves in isolation in clinics and hospitals, they can also make use of these tools to connect with their loved ones. "In a situation like the world is experiencing, we are here to help our communities and support our customers as their trusted technology partner," said Renee Patton, Director of Health and Education, Global Industries Solutions Group, Cisco.
Cases in Colombia:
• Cisco Webex, has been supporting the initiative of the Central Military Hospital of Bogotá. Teleconference sessions have been held through Cisco Webex, with the aim of expanding knowledge and recommendations on the management of critical patients related to COVID-19 for more than 1000 doctors in different regions of Colombia and Latin America.
• Colsanitas, performs virtual medical consultations between doctors and patients who use the Cisco Webex platform to make connections in order to avoid the loss of scheduled medical appointments, reduce the risk of contagion of patients, diagnostics and medical exams, all from the security of the home.
• And the success story of the Valle de Lilí Clinic in Cali that uses all Cisco platforms, both to communicate virtually with patients, as well as to provide security to all Biomedical teams in case of possible cyberthreats, stands out.
Benefits of the telehealth solution:
• Provide remote consultations and care through voice and video technology.
• Perform large-scale video streams for healthcare employees and teams to share knowledge and experiences.
• Support the temporary expansion of healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics.
• Train administrative staff to work remotely whenever possible, minimizing the risk of transmission through daily collaboration.
• Through wireless networks and IoT devices, critical equipment can be effectively tracked to maximize efficiency in its use in healthcare entities.
• Manage a higher volume of patient calls and schedule appointments as needed.
