Samitivej rewrites the rule with healthcare revolution

Healthcare services are lifted to a new level with the help of digital unified communications technology which brings to customers of Samitivej, a leading private hospital in the Southeast Asian region, a new total medical care experience that is speedy, convenient and easy regardless of location.

By integrating its IT network across all departments as well as clinics outside its premises, Samitivej is demolishing the "walls" between its internal departments and those that block its capability to serve customers' needs and creating a true "hospital without walls". Customers will now be able to have very easy access to Samitivej's medical care services regardless of their location.

"We are accelerating on our 'Journey of Care'," said Raymond Chong, managing director and CEO of Samitivej Public Company Limited. "With strong foundation built throughout our past 30 years, we have everything ready for this fast move. We have medical excellence proven by international certifications, strong medical teams, equipment and facilities, and, importantly our passion and commitment. Now, with a help from advanced digital technology, we are bringing together hi-tech and hi-touch to make technology for life a reality. And, that's how our hospital has no walls."

Samitivej has made Bt500 million investment in establishing and growing its intelligent virtual network starting in 2007. Since then, the hospital introduced several projects, including the "Infotainment" system where patients and customers can enjoy easy access of medical information, and telemedicine service provided at Boots at Central Bangna.

Now, these services are even more integrated and expanded to cover all hospital services and new devices, such as IP Phone, are deployed.

"We are living in the world of mobility. While we move around, we can still have access to information and services. Healthcare service should not be an exception," said Mr. Chong.

In bringing mobility to healthcare, IP Phones are used in different departments and by the medical staff. All patients' records and information can be retrieved conveniently at all time, significantly increasing efficiency and accuracy of medical services for all patients.

Internal flow, which earlier took time, such as discharge, medicine preparation and billing, can be done faster.

Thanks to the virtual network, Samitivej can extend its services outside the hospital walls. The same concept as the "i-care" telemedicine service is now applied to a new service called "Home Care" that effectively ensures peace of mind for its patients and their families after they are discharged. The "Home Care" service is implemented first to new mother customers. Instant program available in CD format will be installed and connected between the hospital and at the customers' homes, enabling the new mothers to contact Samitivej's breast feeding specialists when they need advice and consultant about infant care.

In addition, Samitivej will establish a communications link with its partner hospital, such as San Paolo Hospital in Hua Hin. With the system, the medical teams at both hospitals can discuss and seek help and advices from one another conveniently in order to provide the best possible and accurate treatment to the patients. The same service is also introduced to Samitivej outreach clinics around Bangkok and suburban areas.

The bottom line is, at Samitivej, we are using technology to improve service more clever, reduce cost, extend reach and improve quality of care. Ultimately, this creates a Samitivej experience that is not restricted to a physical location.