How AV can benefit you and your patients' experience

The world has changed — we have become more aware of our surroundings and day-to-day experiences. Interactions that used to be considered normal have dramatically shifted under this new awareness. As a result, our interactions with service providers are becoming shorter, more focused and not always on-premises. These interactions are now considered to be experiences.

Technology — and particularly audiovisual technology — can play a large role in helping patients have better experiences, whether face-to-face or virtual (telehealth) appointments.

When a patient comes to a facility for an in-person appointment, they can be very aware of their own privacy when discussing their needs. Patients could be in the triage space in the emergency department or in a medical centre with a large waiting area — locations where the need for discretion and clear communication can sometimes work against each other.

Sound-masking technology is designed to assist in providing speech privacy. For example, sound masking can help keep a conversation between reception and a patient private — even in an open area. This is accomplished by making the speech unintelligible to potential listeners who are not part of the conversation. The unintentional listeners could be in the waiting area or other open spaces within range. This provides comfort for the patient and removes the concern of other people overhearing private conversations.

In the past, people and practices have tried to achieve this with other sound sources to distract, such as televisions or background music. When not controlled, these other sounds can make it difficult for the person listening to absorb what’s being said.

The tailored audio signals that sound-masking systems emit target the intelligibility of speech at a distance. The system does not impede those who are in proximity and need to understand what is being discussed.

When looking at elevating the experience of a telehealth consultation, or even collaborating with colleagues via videoconference solutions, it is vital to make sure the communication is clear.

There are real benefits to having dedicated devices and hardware focused on the most important element of these communications. That element is the audio.

In most virtual meetings or appointments, if the camera or screen share fail, you can still have a productive engagement. If one struggles to hear what is being said, it is frustrating, time-wasting and may even bring a sudden end to a meeting.

By having something as simple as a dedicated USB microphone for a laptop, or a dedicated audio system for a conference room, fluid and clear conversations are ensured. Getting the sound capture correct means that patients and colleagues get everything they need out of their engagement. Healthcare providers can be confident that their patients have heard them clearly.

When collaborating across organisations, or with colleagues in a group setting, conversations need to be clear and intelligible. Often, these circumstances call for devices that can do more than just pick up sound. The rise of what some may call ‘smart’ microphones helps manage multiple speakers in a space whilst giving everyone a clear voice.

Good audio and video should not be viewed as a challenge — upgrading to quality technology is achievable by investing in the right tools for the job.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/verbaska