Eyeworld

106 | EYEWORLD | JUNE 2022 P RACTICE MANAGEMENT References 1. Needham J. Why Are So Many People Quitting Their Jobs? And 5 Solutions. GenesisHR Solutions. April 14, 2022. genesishrsolu- tions.com/peo-blog/why-are- people-quitting-their-jobs/ 2. iSelect. 5G vs. 4G. www.iselect. com.au/internet/5g-australia/ 5g-vs-4g/ Contact Rabourn: brabourn@medcgroup.com enables the potential of the IoT is the colossal shift in communications technology and 5G net- works. As networks across the country upgrade from 4G to 5G, the speed of these networks increases a shocking 2,000%. And 6G is already "under construction." Those practices that make 5G a priority will operate much faster than those using 4G. Remote work and outsourcing While the supply of available "full-time" workers isn't keeping pace with the demand for them, the number of available part-time, remote, or project-based employees is a dif- ferent story. Platforms that connect remote, skilled workers with potential employers have recently exploded. Finding a candidate for task or project-based work is only a few clicks away. As industries and systems become increasing- ly reliant on digital technology, the need for businesses to have access to technical expertise for fixes, improvements, and cybersecurity also increases. For ophthalmologists and practice owners, terms like CRM, IoT, and 5G can seem over- whelming, much like eye surgery would seem overwhelming to an IT manager. Awareness of these terms is important; understanding their intricacies is best left to the experts. Outsourc- ing has grown in popularity over the years, particularly in areas like marketing, IT, and bill- ing. This new and evolving workforce dynamic gives practices the option to hire a "piece" of an employee. Another potential positive to consid- er here is if an employee was inefficient, or the role itself was inefficient or unnecessary, the pandemic might have exposed this inefficiency. The internet is always "online." The automated systems and technologies that busi- nesses depend on run 24/7 and can be accessed 24/7. This global workforce shift makes em- ploying a skilled candidate in, for example, the Philippines or South Africa not only possible but logical, depending on the needs of the busi- ness. Business owners are no longer confined to the skill sets, time zones, and pay rates of the U.S. responsive, efficient CRM can not only automate communications, it can also impress patients. Self-checkout and check-in kiosks have become commonplace in grocery stores and air- ports, and soon they will become commonplace in many more sectors. Much like corporations and airlines recognized the power and improved efficiency of replacing full-time employees with user interfaces and kiosks, practice owners may soon ask, "Do we really need multiple front desk employees dedicated to check in? Why can't patients check in themselves?" From intake and initial appointment all the way to satisfaction survey and review, programs utilizing texts, links, QR codes, and other automated tools can dramatically reduce the need for scheduling and data entry staff. IoT and 5G Healthcare is comparatively slower to adopt new digital technologies than other industries. Navigating the ethical, financial, regulatory, and safety considerations can inhibit and discourage integrating innovative technologies. However, these incoming technologies and automatic processes will soon be the norm. Businesses who lean into these technologies will be better positioned than those who shy away. Innovation in the digital technologies, particularly telehealth communications and the Internet of Things (IoT), offer ophthalmic practices new abilities to establish interdepen- dent, synchronous networks that can improve clinical workflow, daily operations, and patient/ provider communication. The IoT refers to the network of smart devices in homes, cars, and pockets that are connected to the internet. Cars, smartphones, home assistants, watches—there are now more connected devices online than there are humans on earth. From a communi- cation perspective, the IoT offers businesses multi-touchpoint relationship building opportu- nities with patients along their journey. "Alexa, when is my eye appointment and what is the doctor's name?" Digital technologies not only offer business- es more communication opportunities, but they are also making the communication itself faster than ever. The communication of data and what continued from page 105

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