Every healthcare organisation has a unique make up of departments, ways of working and requirements that relate to that organisation. Jonathon Lees, Head of NHS Sales at IT provider Wavenet, explains how Microsoft 365 enhance patients care and improves overall efficiency.
Microsoft 365 is widely used within the healthcare sector to streamline operations, automate tasks, ensure regulatory compliance, secure and maintain IT and network infrastructure, and even enhance patients’ experiences.
However, a large proportion of those who have invested in Microsoft 365 are not using it to its full potential. Those who start off with a full and successful deployment often find the benefits fall by the wayside unless they have the resources to dedicate to its ongoing management.
Merely acquiring Microsoft 365 within a healthcare organisation is not enough to reap its full benefits. The complexity, rapid update cadence and interdependencies of the linked products in Microsoft 365 require time and expertise to manage, and secure – and this is all important when it comes to keeping Microsoft 365 optimised for staff to reap the benefits fully.
Many healthcare organisations have invested in Microsoft 365 to enhance their operations. However, the extent to which all features are utilised can vary significantly based on factors like training, infrastructure, and specific organisational needs. Jonathon Lees, Healthcare Sector Director at IT provider Wavenet, explores the six key advantages of using Microsoft 365 management to it’s fullest potential.
- Proactive security measures for healthcare organisations. With more than a fifth (21%) of ransomware attacks targeting healthcare, according to Barracuda Networks’ 2023/2024 review, now is the time to ensure critical patient information is kept secure with a Microsoft 365 management service. This includes setting up multi-factor authentication, data encryption, threat detection, and regular security audits to identify and mitigate potential risks, ensure regulatory adherence, and operational efficiency.
- Custom set up and configuration for healthcare organisations. Alleviate the need to complete repetitive manual tasks with ease by automating everyday processes such as appointment scheduling, patient follow-ups, and data entry. A Microsoft 365 management service incorporates end-to-end expertise from skilled engineers throughout the UK, ensuring it’s tailored to any specific requirements, saving time and resources to focus on what truly matters: the patients.
- Ongoing maintenance and regular updates for healthcare organisations. With management services, healthcare organisations can rest assured that the Microsoft 365 environment is kept up to date with the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes, keeping confidential patient information safe and secure. Maintenance and updates are typically handled as part of the service, allowing the team to focus on delivering first-class patient care without worrying about system downtime or vulnerabilities. With round-the-clock monitoring and support services, Microsoft 365 management minimises downtime, enhances system reliability, and ensures that organisations always remain productive.
- User training and support: To maximise ease of use for staff, the Microsoft 365 management provides comprehensive training and support services. This ensures that your staff have the knowledge and skills to leverage Microsoft 365 effectively and to assist patients who may require support, whether it’s accessing services online, using new features or troubleshooting issues.
- Scalability and flexibility for ever growing healthcare requirements. As organisations evolve, so does the need for advanced technology capabilities. Microsoft 365 can scale and adapt to accommodate changing requirements, such as busier periods around the festive season.
- Peace of mind and savings for healthcare services. Not only does Microsoft 365 act as a safe pair of hands, but it also frees up valuable staff time and resources that can be delivering critical patient care. That’s not to mention the optimised licensing, reduced infrastructure costs and making monthly costs predictable and sustainable.
