The health care industry has faced unprecedented challenges in the past three years. It has ramped up efforts to ...
The health care industry has faced unprecedented challenges in the past three years. It has ramped up efforts to provide critical patient care, often while operating well below optimal levels. Amidst these challenges, technology has emerged as a powerful tool to ensure continuity of care. One software that has recently become popular in health care facilities is Windows 365 Frontline.
What Is Windows 365 Frontline?Frontline is a remote desktop virtualization service provided by Microsoft. The tech company designed it specifically for frontline workers who need to access their work devices, applications, and data from any location. This cloud-based software allows users to access desktops from any device, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It also provides a secure and reliable connection for remote access, with security features such as multi-factor authentication.
Economists and other social scientists have predicted a health care professional shortage in 2023 and the years ahead. Some regions and specializations are already experiencing shortages. That makes it necessary for health care facilities to leverage technology to improve the retention of existing staff or tempt retirees back into the workforce. Here are some ways 365 Frontline helps the health care industry do this.
Learn more about eDiscovery in health care in this blog.
Frontline employees can access their desktops from anywhere. This means they can work from home, which has become increasingly important to workers across America. Remote access also unlocks opportunities for doctors who may have retired or relocated, allowing them to offer medical services without being physically present at a clinic or hospital.
Frontline provides better and safer access to data at health care facilities, which makes it easier for health professionals to provide telehealth. This is especially helpful in cases where doctors did not initially intend to stay home but have an infectious disease that may not have severe symptoms. They can pick up where they left off at the office, review data, and continue to see patients.
Windows 365 Frontline also allows medical researchers to access vast amounts of data that they can use to develop better treatments, pharmaceuticals, and other innovative health care solutions. It provides a secure platform for researchers to collaborate on projects without the need to travel or physically meet up.
The increased access to applications and data from any device also allows health care facilities to implement secure BYOD policies. This means staff can continue with their standard workflow even when they are away from the clinic, making it easier for them to stay productive and efficient.
The telehealth business has taken off in the past few years. In October 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 37% of adults had used telehealth services within the preceding year. The finding also highlighted high rates of usage among marginalized groups:
These findings complemented Harvard's findings that virtual health care could significantly improve the accessibility of health care. It points out that 89% of American adults and 78% of adults worldwide have smartphones.
Telehealth could make it easy to tap into communities where people may not have access to doctors. It may also provide necessary care for seniors, people with disabilities, and people in rural areas.
Health care facilities are often hesitant to adopt new technology and rightfully so. These facilities must adhere to strict Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines to protect patient data. Wide application of cloud use and remote work arrangements introduces new security risks. Here's what Microsoft is doing to tackle these risks.
Microsoft designed Windows 365 Frontline to comply with several regulatory standards, such as HIPAA and the General Data Protection Regulation. It also provides features such as Azure Information Protection, which encrypts data and prevents unauthorized access.
Frontline automatically signs users off after a specific time, reducing the chances of unauthorized access. Admins can configure this feature or turn it off so that employees get more time to complete tasks.
Microsoft offers user privileges that help control access to data. The customizable roles provide granular control over who can and cannot access particular files or folders, which is critical for HIPAA and payroll compliance.
Windows 365 provides optimized system reboots and updates. This ensures that the software remains up-to-date and compliant with regulatory standards, so health care facilities can rest assured that their data is secure.
Microsoft created this add-on specifically for customers in the health care industry, but it is not yet publicly available. The tech company shares that it is currently in preview mode and encourages companies that want to use it to call their Microsoft account managers.
Once released, it will create a new niche for Office 365 Cloud PC use, separate from Windows 365 Enterprise. Microsoft explains that Frontline is for people who only need to access the Cloud PC during work hours, whereas Enterprise Cloud PC provides 24/7 access.
At Cloudficient, we aim to help health care facilities maximize their Microsoft software investment. We accomplish this by helping our clients migrate to the cloud ahead of their competitors. Our professionals understand that moving to cloud computing and adopting new software such as Windows 365 Frontline can be challenging. Find out how we can help you achieve a seamless migration process.
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