13 Nov 2008

Unified communications 'needed to replace aging technology'

The US healthcare system requires huge reform and a strong emphasis on unified communications is the solution, it has been suggested.

Phil Fasano, chief information officer for Kaiser Permanente, writing at Information Week, said the healthcare system is becoming increasingly expensive as more of its components, such as research and pharmacies, operate in silos.

IT and unified communication systems will create a more efficient, streamlined system, he wrote.

Moving on from its paper-based past, the firm has invested more than $4 billion into IT technology which will provide a linked network where healthcare industry employees can retrieve near real-time information.

"In the past, IT in health care was relegated to the back rooms. We'll still have those responsibilities, but moving forward we will play increasing strategic and critical roles because information will continue to improve your outcomes," Mr Fasano said.

Bloor Research director of communications Carl Potter recently wrote a blog at IT-Director.com which said that firms can gain significant cost savings and competitive advantages through unified communications-powered business technology.