Digital tech revolutionises GP trips with testing that allows doctors to examine vitals remotely
| 1st May 2020
A British tech firm is transforming safety in GP surgeries with its unique hubs that allow doctors to remotely examine vitals such as patients’ oxygen levels as well as perform heart and lung checks.
Recent research by The British Medical Association (BMA) revealed almost two-thirds of GPs reported a shortage of personal protective equipment.
To improve infection control and prevent the spread of Covid-19, Medicspot is supplying technology for patients to have a virtual consultation with doctors without the risk of passing on the virus.
The hubs guide patients on performing an examination on themselves while the doctor ensures they are doing it correctly.
Clinicians can take real-time vitals and perform a remote examination to accurately diagnose, manage and safety-net patients.
Medicspot allows GPs to examine the patient’s temperature, oxygen levels and perform heart and lung checks without the need for PPE.
Only six per cent of patients need to be referred for a face-to-face consultation after using the system.
It also allows doctors who are self-isolating to continue working while retired doctors returning to medicine to fight the virus can conduct consultations from the safety of their own home.
The technology also provides an alternative for doctors who struggle to find the right PPE because they have beards for religious purposes.
Seventy-four GP surgeries have already partnered with the company and the firm is working with Clinical Commissioning Groups, Primary Care Networks and GP surgeries across the UK to roll out the health diagnosis system.
Installations can go live within one week of the first enquiry from a GP practice, with training for both doctors and practice staff provided.
Dr Zubair Ahmed, GP and CEO, said: “This innovative technology could prove to be life-saving amid the current coronavirus outbreak.
“With retired GPs returning to work to support the NHS at this time, and a reported quarter of healthcare professionals in self-isolation, the ability to remotely diagnose patients removes the associated risk to GPs and patients of contracting the virus.
“It also lessens the current pressure around PPE provision, which has been in short supply.
“In addition, this system will give GPs the ability to restart their scheduled chronic disease services.
“Patients with conditions such as high blood pressure, COPD or asthma are not being monitored due to the present situation and it is imperative that we do as much as we can to help restart this review process when the time is right.”