Head in the cloud: embracing cloud technology for virtual care

August 29, 2023

Case study

Head in the cloud: embracing cloud technology for virtual care

A case study on how MediRecords helped Doctors on Demand embrace cloud technology for virtual care. 

At the international MedInfo conference in Sydney, MediRecords had the pleasure of leading a panel with key client Doctors on Demand. The focus of the session was managing the transition from legacy server-based software to MediRecords’ cloud-based technology.

MediRecords Group Manager of Customer Success, Michael Alldrick, and Doctors on Demand Director of Governance and Programs Amanda Yeates, discussed the challenges of server-based software for virtual care businesses, the process of changing to the cloud, and benefits that have flowed from making the move. For those who could not attend, here are some highlights from their conversation.

Doctors on Demand Overview

Michael: Before we delve into the details, let’s start with an overview of Doctors on Demand and the services the company provides.

Amanda: Doctors on Demand is a virtual healthcare service provider that connects patients to doctors through video conferencing. We prioritise technology, and our 100% remote workforce allows patients to access healthcare from anywhere. Initially, we faced challenges with our on-premise practice management software, which was retrofitted to meet our needs. However, as we grew, it became clear that a more seamless and scalable solution was required, leading us to explore cloud-based options like MediRecords.

Michael: The limited options for cloud-based technology in 2015 necessitated careful consideration. Can you explain the challenges faced during the transition and the decisions that led to embracing a cloud-based solution?

Amanda: Certainly. We established virtual servers to provide remote desktop access for our doctors, enabling them to access clinical information about patients. However, this setup created a complex workflow, where doctors had to toggle between their own desktops and the virtual server, leading to inefficiencies and scalability issues. We needed a seamless solution where doctors could access patient data anytime with an internet connection. After surveying the market, we chose MediRecords as the cloud-based system that aligned with our requirements.

Data migration and maintaining continuity of care

Michael: Moving from an existing system to a new one while maintaining patient continuity of care is critical. MediRecords placed a lot of emphasis on this and worked hard to ensure complete patient record and appointment history was migrated. How did you feel about this process and was it enough to ensure a smooth transition into a new system?

Amanda: The data migration process was complex due to the extensive amount of data accumulated over the years. We worked closely with MediRecords’ data migration team, implementing a phased approach to ensure minimal disruption to our 24/7 service. We started with a few doctors, gradually migrating data in tranches. Our collaboration with MediRecords ensured that the data was accurately represented in the new system. Despite the size of our clinical workforce, we managed to complete the transition within a few weeks, thanks to MediRecords’ support and training resources.

Cost savings and streamlined operations through cloud technology

Michael: During your transition to MediRecords’ Doctors on Demand achieved substantial cost savings by eliminating the need for a dedicated IT team to manage your previous complex on-premise system. Can you elaborate on how this switch streamlined your operations and led to significant improvements in efficiency?

Amanda: Certainly, Michael. The move to a cloud-based solution with MediRecords was a game-changer for us. As mentioned, we had previously set up virtual servers to provide remote desktop access for our doctors, which introduced complex workflows leading to inefficiencies and scalability issues. With MediRecords’ cloud technology, and the ability to access patient data anytime and anywhere, we eliminated the need for a dedicated IT team to manage our previous on-premise infrastructure. The cloud-based solution is more user-friendly and requires minimal maintenance. The API integration also played a crucial role in automating tasks, reducing administrative overhead, and saving on operational costs. Thanks to these cost savings, we could reallocate resources to enhance our virtual care services, expand our offerings, and pursue future growth opportunities, creating a more sustainable and efficient healthcare model for Doctors on Demand.

Harnessing the power of cloud and APIs

Michael: Embracing cloud technology can significantly impact workflows and patient care. How has the integration of MediRecords Connect API service supported your doctors and users, and how does it enhance your current workflow?

Amanda: As a patient-driven service, it was crucial for us to have real-time access to clinical data during consultations. MediRecords facilitated this through API integration, enabling data to seamlessly flow into our practice management software. Doctors now have immediate access to essential patient information during consultations. Additionally, our administrative team can enter doctor schedules in MediRecords, which are promptly reflected on our website. The two-way communication facilitated by APIs streamlines our operations and enhances patient care. 

Future growth and advancements

Michael: Doctors on Demand has shown progress in corporate health, private insurance, and other areas. What are Doctors on Demands future plans, and how does the company envision growing its services?

Amanda: Like many health tech companies, we have an ambitious pipeline of work for the coming months and years. In the next financial year, we plan to focus on mental health services, providing virtual primary care and mental health care plans. Additionally, we aim to strengthen our partnerships with corporate entities, leveraging the advantages offered by MediRecords’ 2.0 interface. This new interface will enhance patient communication capabilities, including email and demand management.

Michael: Exciting times ahead! Lastly, based on Doctors on Demand’s experience and decision-making process, what advice would you give to organisations considering new technologies to future-proof their businesses?

Amanda: Making the transition to new technologies can be challenging, but it’s crucial for scalability and growth. As an organisation, we were determined to embrace change. Education, support, and collaboration were key in successfully navigating this journey. MediRecords’ training resources, webinars, and live chat support played a significant role. Despite the initial resistance to change, we managed to onboard our large clinical workforce within weeks. So, I would encourage organisations to thoroughly assess their needs, seek support, and embrace new technologies for long-term success.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Doctors on Demand and MediRecords highlights the positive impact of cloud technology on virtual healthcare services. By migrating from a legacy server-based solution to MediRecords’ cloud-based system, Doctors on Demand overcame challenges, improved workflows, reduced costs, streamlined operations and enhanced patient care. The seamless data migration, ongoing support, and future growth plans demonstrate the successful transformation enabled by embracing cloud technology for virtual care. 

Read more about Doctors on Demand on their website.  

More from the Blog

Looking to stay updated with the latest from MediRecords?

Sign up to the newsletter

    MediRecords makeover brings new features for multidisciplinary care

    August 11, 2023

    Media release

    MediRecords makeover brings new features for multidisciplinary care

    Innovative cloud electronic health record company MediRecords has released a major makeover of its entire platform, including new features supporting team-care.

    The MediRecords 2.0 release implements a new user interface designed to optimise screen space, simplify navigation, and increase prominence for alerts and notifications.

    Another new feature is a universal communications bar for real time chat between team members from anywhere in MediRecords, with email integration coming soon.

    In recognition of healthcare providers’ increasingly fragmented work lives, clinicians can now see a calendar view that shows their appointments across multiple clinics.

    MediRecords has also introduced multi-factor authentication, which bolsters existing security options, such as Azure Active Directory integration.

    A major program of work throughout 2023 will see additional features released, including:

    • Case Management
    • Group Appointments
    • An inpatient module with admissions, charting, handovers, and medication management
    • Letter writer tool upgrade
    • Email on demand
    • Payments integration.

    MediRecords founder and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Galetto said providing the flexibility to support multidisciplinary, value-based care was central to the platform redesign.

    “The Federal Government’s Strengthening Medicare Taskforce pointed to the importance of multidisciplinary care in general practice and allied health. MediRecords is committed to supporting new ways of delivering connected care to people with chronic conditions, wherever they are in Australia.”

    MediRecords clients include virtual emergency departments, private hospital consulting suites, government agencies, telehealth and virtual care providers, general practitioners, specialists, and multidisciplinary clinics.

    Media inquiries

    To arrange to speak with Mr. Galetto, or for further information on MediRecords 2.0, please email Tim Pegler or call 0412 485 146.

    ABOUT MEDIRECORDS

    Established in 2014, Australian digital health technology company MediRecords offers a flexible and scalable cloud-hosted electronic health record and patient management system used across the continuum of Australian healthcare.

    MediRecords has significant contracts with Queensland Health and the Department of Defence. In March 2020, MediRecords and healthdirect collaborated to deliver the National Coronavirus Helpline, which was an integral part of the Australian Government’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    For further information, visit MediRecords.com

    More from the Blog

    Looking to stay updated with the latest from MediRecords?

    Sign up to the newsletter

      It’s a Yes from MediRecords for the Voice to Parliament
       

      August 8, 2023

      It's a Yes from MediRecords for the Voice to Parliament

      Tim Pegler

      Tim Pegler - Senior Business Development Manager

      MediRecords strongly encourages Australians to vote yes in the upcoming referendum for an Aboriginal Voice to Federal Parliament. 

      As a company committed to helping deliver better health outcomes for all Australians, MediRecords believes the Voice to Parliament is an essential step toward equity and justice for First Nations peoples and ‘closing the gap’ in indigenous health. 

      Closing the Gap

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have significantly worse health, education, employment, and economic outcomes, compared to the rest of the Australian population. 

      In 2008 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) created the National Indigenous Reform Agreement to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, listing six key targets:

      • to close the life expectancy gap within a generation
      • to halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade
      • to ensure access to early childhood education for all Indigenous four-year-olds in remote communities within five years
      • to halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements for children within a decade
      • to halve the gap for Indigenous students in year 12 attainment rates by 2020 and
      • to halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

      Progress against these and additional targets is reported to the Federal Parliament annually. Successive governments have committed to achieving equity, but the disparities remain dire. Closing the Gap data shows:

      • If you are born an indigenous woman your life expectancy is 75.6 years, compared to 83.4 for non-indigenous women. If you are an Aboriginal male, your life expectancy is 71.6 years compared to 80.2 for non-indigenous men.
      • In 2020, 94 per cent of non-indigenous babies are born with a healthy birthweight compared to 89 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies.
      • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are massively over-represented in our jails (2151.1 per 100,000 adult population in 2022, versus 15.7 per 100,000 non-indigenous people). Former federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten has said: “A young Aboriginal man of 18 in Australia is more likely to end up in jail than university”, a statement subsequently verified by researchers.
      • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also more likely to have their children taken away (56.8 per 1000 children in out-of-home care in 2022 compared to 4.8 per 1000 for non-indigenous families). This is despite the Australian Human Rights Commission ‘Stolen Generations’ national enquiry, which handed down its findings in 1997.
      • In 2018-19, 8.4 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females aged 15 years and over experienced domestic physical or threatened physical harm.
      • In 2021, 68.1 % of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 20-24 years had obtained a Year 12 or equivalent educational qualification, compared to 90.7 per cent of non-indigenous people aged 20-24.

      Deaths in custody are not included within the Closing the Gap goals. There have been more than 500 indigenous deaths in custody since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody handed down its report in 1991. The report contained 339 recommendations, many of which have not been implemented.

      Living by our values

      MediRecords’ core values state that we “act with integrity, actively listening to clients and colleagues and striving to improve health care delivery for our community”. The Closing the Gap data indicates government policies are either not improving health outcomes – or not doing so fast enough.

      We believe that empowering First Australians with the Voice to Parliament they have asked for is a way to enable more influence and input into policies that affect their lives. We support a “not about me, without me” approach to policy making.

      This is why we will be voting, ’Yes.’

      Referendum FAQS

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want more say in the laws that affect them. In 2017, following consultations across Australia, the First Nations National Constitutional Convention delivered the powerful Uluru Statement from the Heart. One of the things the statement calls for is, “establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution”. It also states: “We seek constitutional reforms to empower our people and take a rightful place in our own country. When we have power over our destiny our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.”

      You can hear the full Uluru Statement, read by Indigenous community leaders, here:
      https://youtu.be/rWoIgPyQTK4

      The Australian Constitution is the primary set of rules that determine how Australia is governed. Our Constitution was introduced in 1901. The only way to update the Constitution is through a process known as a ‘referendum’. First, both houses of the Federal Parliament must endorse a change to the Constitution. A national vote is then held so the Australian people can say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the proposed change. A majority of voters in a majority of states and territories, AND a majority of voters nationally, must vote ‘yes’ for a referendum to succeed.

      While most previous attempts to change the Constitution have been unsuccessful, one of the successful ‘yes’ votes also involved Aboriginal people. Before 1967, the Constitution did not even acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people were part of the Australian population. In the 1967 referendum, 91% of Australians, with a majority in every state or territory, voted to update the Constitution to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of Australia’s population, and empower the Commonwealth Government to make laws affecting them.

      The 2023 referendum is a vote on whether you support the Constitution being changed to establish a Voice to Parliament. You will be asked to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the following question:
      “A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

      If successful, the following words will be added to the Constitution:

      Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
      S 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice

      In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia:

      1. There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;
      2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
      3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers, and procedures.

      As these words show, the proposed Voice does not give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the power to make, alter or block national laws. The Voice just gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders a presence in parliament to offer advice and feedback on policies, based on their lived experience.

      The referendum on a Voice to parliament will take place on a date (yet to be announced,) between September and December this year. It is compulsory by law for all eligible Australian citizens aged 18 and older to enrol and vote in referendums.

      The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has published information on the referendum, including Yes and No arguments, here: Your official referendum 2023 pamphlet (aec.gov.au) The AEC also has a Disinformation Register.

      The following video discusses widespread misinformation on the Voice and is well worth watching: https://youtu.be/Nla61MfEtiY

      Further learning

      Archie Roach – ‘Took the Children away’: https://youtu.be/IL_DBNkkcSE

      Challenging Terra Nullius | National Library of Australia (nla.gov.au)

      It’s official — the Voice referendum is happening. Here’s what comes next – ABC News

      Megan Davis first read the constitution at age 12. Now she wants to change it to give her people a Voice to Parliament – ABC News

      Supporting the Voice makes for better health outcomes – WAPHA

      The Voice Design Principles – Uluru Statement from the Heart

      Together, Yes – First Nations Voice to parliament (togetheryes.com.au)

      Yes 23 – FAQs

      yes_-_our_voice_to_parliament_booklet.pdf (dca.org.au)

      References

      History of Closing the Gap | Closing the Gap

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy long and healthy lives – Dashboard | Closing the Gap Information Repository – Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au)

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are born healthy and strong – Dashboard | Closing the Gap Information Repository – Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au)

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are not overrepresented in the criminal justice system – Dashboard | Closing the Gap Information Repository – Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au)

      Fact check: Are young Indigenous men more likely to end up in jail than university? – ABC News

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 0children are not overrepresented in the child protection system – Dashboard | Closing the Gap Information Repository – Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au)

      Bringing them home: The ‘Stolen Children’ report (1997) | Australian Human Rights Commission

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and households are safe – Dashboard | Closing the Gap Information Repository – Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au)

      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieve their full learning potential – Dashboard | Closing the Gap Information Repository – Productivity Commission (pc.gov.au)

      ‘Beyond heartbreaking’: 500 Indigenous deaths in custody since 1991 royal commission | Indigenous Australians | The Guardian

      Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody | naa.gov.au

      Who We Are – our goal to improve the way healthcare is delivered (medirecords.com)

      Voice to Parliament – Reconciliation Australia

      Australian Constitution – Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

      The 1967 Referendum | AIATSIS

      Voice to Parliament – Reconciliation Australia

      Tim Pegler
      Tim Pegler - Senior Business Development Manager

      More from the Blog

      Looking to stay updated with the latest from MediRecords?

      Sign up to the newsletter

        Global healthcare facing a diabetes tsunami
         

        August 3, 2023

        Global healthcare facing a diabetes tsunami

        Diabetes rates are set to soar worldwide, a new study in The Lancet reveals.

        By 2050, an “alarming” 1.3 billion people are expected to be living with diabetes, up from 529 million in 2021, if no action is taken, the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington has found.

        Lead author Liane Ong warns that the rapid growth of diabetes poses immense challenges to health systems worldwide, as the disease is associated with other severe health conditions like heart disease and stroke.

        “The rapid rate at which diabetes is growing is not only alarming but also challenging for every health system in the world,” Dr Ong said.

        The surge in diabetes cases can be attributed to rising obesity rates and demographic shifts, with older adults particularly vulnerable.

        Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this study emphasises the necessity for more effective mitigation strategies and an equitable approach to diabetes treatment.

        The looming crisis, underscored by a series of Lancet articles, has prompted an editorial in an edition of the journal last month, which argues that “the world has … underestimated the true scale and threat the disease poses”. It calls for a “course correct”.

        MediRecords can support patient-centric diabetes care with features including templated assessment forms and care plans, and ePrescribing. New ‘Premium’ features supporting Case Management and Group Appointments are coming soon.

        Remote monitoring effective

        Previous studies have shown that remote monitoring of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) reduces the number of visits to the outpatient clinic, but a new study, published this month in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, has found further benefits.

        A randomised controlled trial with 180 participants by a group of French researchers led by Dured Daldari found that remote monitoring of DFU by an expert nurse significantly reduced cumulative hospital days — from 13.4 days (95% CI 9.0–17.8) in the control group to 7.1 days in the intervention group (2.8–11.5).

        Further reading

        Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 – The Lancet

        Global inequity in diabetes (thelancet.com)

        More from the Blog

        Looking to stay updated with the latest from MediRecords?

        Sign up to the newsletter