NHS to use IOCOM technology for its East of England telemedicine project

Nov 19 2009

IOCOM, a leading software provider for enterprise-class video conferencing capabilities, today announced that the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is using IOCOM technology for its East of England telemedicine project. The program, which is expected to save more than 100 lives per year, gives stroke patients 24/7 access from any branch hospital to expert stroke physicians via IOCOM’s video conferencing technology for quick diagnosis and treatment.

Prompt diagnosis is critical for saving lives of stroke patients who are candidates for thrombolysis treatments that produce amazing results and allow patients to be discharged within days. The project uses unique technology developed by IOCOM and NHS regional IT experts to link hospital accident and emergency departments with a specialist stroke consultant anywhere. The consultants use high-quality video and audio links to see and speak with patients as well as to read CT scans, allowing for quick diagnoses and thrombolysis when appropriate.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to use technology to improve our ability to serve patients, and it’s quite rewarding when a program has such a significant effect on their lives,” said Phil Lowe, Information Management and Technology Project Manager for the East of England SHA Stroke Pilot Project. “IOCOM’s superior video conferencing platform and expertise make them an ideal partner in this project, which has already saved two lives in the first few weeks. As we work with IOCOM to roll it out across our network of hospitals, the impact across the entire area will be remarkable.”

The pilot uses IOCOM software with a computer on wheels, known as a “COW,” which houses a fixed video camera and audio link. The consultants use specially-equipped laptops that automatically launch the IOCOM video conferencing technology as well as enable them to securely read CT images without having to directly access the hospitals’ systems.

“Working with NHS East of England on this critical project that has such a tangible result of saving lives is truly an honor,” said Michael Galich, CEO and co-founder of IOCOM. “We believe that our video conferencing and collaboration software is a game-changing technology, and there is no better example of its potential than what NHS is doing to offer stroke victims this wonderful service.”

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