Advanced Remote GP Appointments using Satellite Connectivity
Marketing
Our Business Manager for Health and Wellbeing, John Vesey, explains how an idea developed by two GPs is transforming the way practices are delivering health checks across the UK with their Teki-Hub equipment, using satellite connectivity.
We have been working with health start-up Tekihealth for almost 2 years, providing business support, access to funding, and facilitating engagements with connectivity providers. Tekihealth, founded by two practicing GPs, is tackling the issue of oversubscribed surgeries by providing remote consultations through their invention, Teki-Hub.
Teki-Hub not only provides live video streaming between the patient or healthcare provider and GP, but also includes attachments for otoscopy (ears), auscultation (heart and breath sounds) and ENT (oral cavity) examinations which are then transmitted directly to the GP as if they were in the room.
To offer video conferencing for GPs and primary care is not new but to do it with diagnostic technology in the hands of healthcare assistants as they undertake home visits or care home rounds is a very exciting offer, particularly in the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19, an ability to complete GP appointments without increasing the amount of contact between patients and healthcare providers will be a revolution in reducing risk of spreading the illness.
Care assistants will be trained in using the equipment effectively, meaning the patient can be treated as they would by the GP directly. This will also increase the number of appointments GPs can hold in a day and reduce patient waiting times.
In light of this new technology in the current situation, North Norfolk Primary Care is purchasing a set of Teki-Hub equipment for each of the 19 practices in their alliance, which will act as a demonstrator of the technology as well as hopefully encouraging the rolling out of this unique service across the country.
Keep an eye out on our social media for more announcements on this project, and if you would like to get in touch with us to discuss this particular project or our overall work with applying satellite data in health and social care, please get in touch.
