Login Blog Improving Patient Visits through Innovative Technology in the New Year NEWS As we wrap up this year and look towards 2022, it’s likely your organization is working on plans for how to make things better next year. This is especially true for healthcare organizations, which faced tremendous challenges in 2020 and 2021. Thankfully, a sleuth of technological advances has not only eased the hardships they’ve faced but has set healthcare organizations up with opportunities to improve and enhance the patient experience from now on. There’s no denying the nature of patient visits has changed — but thanks to technology, that change can be for the better. Here’s how: Creating culturally aware care It’s more important than ever to create a visit that is not only aware of the patient’s cultural needs but embraces them. A small part of this includes offering visits in the patient’s preferred language, allowing them to explain their needs and receive care in the way they are most comfortable. Video conferencing equipment gives healthcare providers an on-demand way to invite translators into the visit. With virtual medical translators, the burden of translating no longer falls on a patient’s family member. Not only does that improve patient privacy and ensure accuracy, but it also helps patients feel respected and cared for. Making the right care more accessible Gone are the days where healthcare options are determined by physical proximity to a facility or doctor — thankfully. This outdated practice created a lot of stress for those in rural areas, those with mobility limitations, or those who need specific and specialized care. Telehealth through audio-video conferencing gives patients the power to choose their care based on what’s best for them, not on proximity or how easy it is for them to get to the office. This not only makes care much more effective but truly puts the patient in the driver’s seat which is key for a positive visit experience. Fitting busy lives as we return to “normal” While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly isn’t over yet, there are parts of our lives that are starting to resemble pre-pandemic times — schools are open for in-person learning, people are working in their offices (at least part-time), and extracurricular activities are meeting again. This once again renders parents and caretakers extremely busy, which can make finding appointment times for themselves and family members difficult. Video visits and AI-powered help centers can assist people in finding the care that works for them on their schedule. Connecting with health wearables and integrated medical devices Health wearables are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They can help gather and track a variety of health data like glucose, heart rate, physical activity, and sleep. Integrating that technology with healthcare visits can give doctors a better understanding of a patient’s overall health and uncover issues that a patient may not even be aware of. Doctors can even encourage patients to use wearable devices and give them parameters for certain metrics and instructions for what to do if they exceed those parameters. Wearables not only improve the effectiveness of the visits themselves but enable quality care to continue at home. Improving patient comfort and control A patient’s visit experience starts the moment they enter the building, not when they see the doctor. Wait times can cause a lot of frustration and anxiety for patients, especially in a hospital or pediatric setting. Interactive dynamic digital displays not only provide patients with helpful information they may need about their visits as well as entertainment that eases anxiety and passes the time. This helps create a better overall visit experience, even when the doctor is not with the patient! If your healthcare organization needs assistance implementing the technology needed to improve patient visits in 2022, contact the team at IVCi today for a consultation. NOVEMBER 17, 2021/ How Audio Visual Will Shape the Future of Education NEWS Educational institutions have dealt with significant change and disruption in the past few years, largely brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While most of it has been challenging, one positive lesson we can take from it is that with the right technology, schools are extremely adaptable and can transform the way people learn and teach. Following this trajectory, we can expect the future of education to be spearheaded by technology — mainly AV technology. Not only did audiovisual provide solutions for remote learning, but it also completely reshaped education as we know it. Let’s take a look at how. A shift to collaborative learning. AV technology gives students a new way to interact with classroom content, even if they are distance learning. Regardless of physical location, students can respond to polls, speak with their teacher and classmates, and share files for the class to see and work on in real-time. Teachers can use visuals, videos, forms, and more to make learning a collaborative experience. Using virtual reality to create immersive experiences. Virtual Reality (VR) is made possible in the classroom thanks to AV technology — and it can totally reshape the future of education. Studies have proven that students learn best through experience, and VR can recreate in-person experiences. This can range from an elementary school student feeling like they’re standing next to the Egyptian pyramids to a medical student getting to observe a “real” surgery. Appealing to all learning styles. In previous years, classrooms typically were only able to cater to one learning style. AV technology allows educators to appeal to multiple learning styles without duplicating efforts. For example, by streaming lessons via video with supporting content, teachers can cater to both visual and auditory learners. Plus, students learn at different paces, so having the option to view lessons in real-time and asynchronously through recordings will help them absorb the lesson at their own speed. Making education accessible to more people regardless of physical location. Previously, educational decisions had to be made based on physical proximity to the institution. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that it’s more than possible to deliver a quality education without having to be physically present at a school, opening up worldwide possibilities for those seeking the best possible education. This is especially impactful in rural areas or for those who are seeking a specialized course of study that is not widely available. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies will increase. With more content being hosted on cloud-based programs, students can use the devices they are familiar and comfortable with without sacrificing any capabilities. This is especially applicable to higher education institutions where it’s more customary for students to use their personal devices. Schools and universities should get ahead of these emerging trends in order to deliver an elevated educational experience. The first step in doing so is finding the right AV integrator to help you design and implement the right technology for your teachers and students. IVCi has worked with K-12 and higher education institutions of all sizes and is available to help — contact us today to speak with an AV expert and learn more. NOVEMBER 11, 2021/ 5 Ways to Use Dynamic Digital Signage in Your Business NEWS While signage has been a staple in business practice for decades, dynamic digital signage is a relatively new player. What makes dynamic digital signage stand out from traditional displays and static digital signage is that the information can be updated automatically and/or in real-time, making them even more valuable to the viewer. Dynamic digital signage uses display technologies like LED walls, LCD monitors, and content management platforms. They are useful in businesses ranging from museums to retail to office buildings — any place where people need to find information. If you’re interested in adopting dynamic digital signage in your business, here are five examples of how you can utilize it: 1. Maps, directories, and visitor information If you have a large space, maps and directories are helpful for visitors. Dynamic displays can show these maps and directories, as well as visitor information that is timely and relevant. For example, if there is an event going on that 95% of that day’s visitors will be coming for, you can display check-in or schedule information for that event. They can be updated in real-time to reflect location changes and accept search queries so visitors can type in what they are looking for and be directed. 2. Calendars and event schedules Whether it be for employees, visitors, or event attendees, having calendars and schedules easily available creates a more streamlined experience. These can be automatically updated to remove events that have already taken place and replace them with newly scheduled events, which is ideal for conference centers, entertainment venues, or offices that host a lot of meetings. 3. Interactive content and forms Dynamic digital signage can also be a great tool for engagement and lead generation. This is great for vendors at trade shows or entertainment spaces as they can entertain visitors while they wait with video content, games, and more. They can also feature responsive forms so users can enter their information in exchange for the interactive content, bolstering lead generation efforts. 4. Video demonstrations and customer kiosks In the retail space, product demonstrations and FAQ information are key for making a sale. Having a digital display for this purpose allows customers to shop on their own and get information on-demand, which is a more enjoyable experience for the typical shopper. They can then continue shopping, alert an employee for assistance, or even in some cases start the product ordering process. 5. Real-time information for better visibility Especially in large organizations, it’s difficult to ensure everyone sees vital communication. While the details of what’s considered “vital” will differ greatly from business to business, ensuring visibility through communication is important for all. Whether it’s a real-time weather report, emergency alerts, stock, or inventory information, dynamic digital displays are a highly visible way to convey important information. Dynamic digital signage is a great choice for businesses because they are easy to control and modify, is cost-effective, offers important analytics and insights, and helps grab (and keep) attention better than any other kind of signage. If you are considering dynamic digital signage for your business, it’s best to trust the design and implementation process to an experienced IV integrator like IVCi. Contact us today to talk to an expert team member and learn more. NOVEMBER 3, 2021/ Quick Start Guide to Implement the Latest AV/VC Technology in Healthcare NEWS If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that there’s no time to waste and no room for error when it comes to our healthcare systems. There needs to be a well-balanced ecosystem in place that supports the provider/patient relationship in the best possible way, even in the midst of a health crisis. Patients need top-level care in the way that is safe and convenient for them, and providers need systems and solutions that allow them to care for multiple patients and share results/treatment plans easily. AV/VC technology is allowing this — and more — to happen in hospitals and care facilities around the world. However, healthcare facilities need to approach their implementation strategically as to not disrupt patient care or communication. This quick start guide can help healthcare facilities implement the latest AV/VC technology for better patient outcomes. What are the latest AV/VC technology trends? The first step in implementing new healthcare technology is to understand what options are out there and how they can help you. There are some amazing AV tools out there that enhance the healthcare experience in a number of ways. They include: Telemedicine – For everything from virtual rounds to at-home patient care, telemedicine allows patients to access care without risking exposure or worrying about distance and travel limitations. It also lets doctors care for patients who are in different facilities or locations at the same time. Learning – Medical students and those in healthcare fields that require clinical experience can do so virtually. This allows them to participate in real-world scenarios that cannot be replicated in a lab, while learning from a team in action. Patient education and communication – Patients can use interactive portals to engage with educational material, review results, and video chat with a provider to answer any questions. How to implement the latest AV/VC technologies in healthcare If any of these ideas inspired your healthcare organization to implement a new AV/VC system, it’s easier than you may think to get started. Here are some simple steps to follow: Research – Take a look at your current network and needs, and identify areas where AV/VC technology can improve performance and patient outcomes. Strategy – Identify which technology solutions would fill the aforementioned gaps and establish KPIs for success. Design – Select the specific technology, quantity, accessories, etc. that are needed to achieve the goals. Implementation – Installing the necessary technology without disrupting critical workflows. Support – Have ongoing and on-demand support to ensure the technology is always working smoothly. A key to success here is to find an AV integrator that can assist you on each of these steps, not just integration. IVCi specializes in helping healthcare organizations implement imaging, communication, document solutions and more — all by utilizing the latest technology to improve patient outcomes and provider efficiency. Contact us today to learn more and get started. OCTOBER 27, 2021/ How Hospitals will Utilize AV/VC Technology in the Future NEWS The recent rise in popularity of telehealth and virtual visits has opened the door for many hospitals to utilize AV/VC technology more than ever. But as healthcare professionals see the true value in audio visual and video conferencing systems for their facilities, we can expect usage to go far beyond telehealth in the coming years. Based on emerging trends, here are some ways hospitals will utilize AV/VC technology in the future: 1. Using interactive digital displays for patient education and entertainment Digital displays are becoming more advanced and interactive. By strategically placing them throughout the hospital, patients can access information that’s relevant to them and/or that helps them make informed medical decisions. Interactive displays can serve an entertainment purpose too, especially in units like pediatrics. Allowing patients to focus on something other than their hospital stay will put them in better spirits and help alleviate stress. In some cases where visitor access may be restricted, interactive displays can help patients stay in touch with loved ones via video chat, which is a very effective way to make a patient more comfortable and relaxed. 2. Wireless capabilities for interconnected devices In the hospital setting, it’s essential for many monitors and devices to be interconnected and/or usable in many different parts of the hospital. However, wires and plugs can slow down emergency care and pose a safety hazard for those who need to move quickly. Wireless capabilities for interconnected devices allow for seamless transition of care and ensure better capability with network configurations, video conferencing, and software needs. The future will see hospitals move to a wireless environment, and advancing AV/VC technology is a great way to do so. 3. Better access to real-world training for medical students While training labs are far more advanced than ever before, they still don’t allow students of medical professions to get a real-time look into a hospital setting. High-quality video conferencing solutions, however, can bring students into operating rooms, hospital rooms, and emergency situations that they may not otherwise have access to. This also opens the door for students to observe treatments in facilities that have state of the art equipment or specialty departments that may not be near the schools they attend. The next generation of medical professionals will potentially be the most prepared and well-rounded, thanks to AV/VC technology allowing them to access higher levels of training. 4. Resource sharing between doctors and staff at different hospitals and locations There is strength in numbers when it comes to healthcare. Doctors and other care providers can learn from each other, seek additional opinions, and collaborate on treatment plans from different physical locations with video conferencing technology. This is also a game changer for conferences, as care providers don’t need to spend time and resources traveling to attend conferences with world-renowned specialists; they can simply join from their hospital or office and still remain in close proximity to patients who need them. For healthcare facilities that are looking to get on the ground floor of these emerging trends, now is the time to make sure your AV/VC systems are up to the challenge. We recommend starting by setting up a consultation with an AV integrator, like IVCi, who specializes in designing, implementing, and supporting AV/VC technology for hospitals and healthcare networks. Contact us today to get started! OCTOBER 20, 2021/ How to Implement AV/VC Technology into Your Hybrid Remote Workspace NEWS While the COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on so many different areas of our lives, one of the biggest was shifting the way many people work. Companies who have operated the same way for decades suddenly had to pivot from everything they knew. As a result, many workplaces have adopted a hybrid remote work model, with some people working from the office and others working remotely on designated days. The challenge here is keeping remote teammates engaged with those in the office and each other, to ensure productivity and collaboration levels remain high. Implementing Audio Visual and Video Conferencing technology is the best way to achieve a successful hybrid remote workspace — if done correctly. Here are tips for how to implement AV/VC technology into your hybrid organization for best results. Replace short-term AV solutions When organizations were given mere hours to prepare for remote work, it made sense to choose whatever systems could be implemented quickly. After all, we all assumed this would be a short-term situation. Now that we know COVID-19 is a long-term situation and many organizations have adopted permanent hybrid policies, it’s time to replace short-term AV solutions. With the help of an AV integrator, you can upgrade networks, bandwidths, cameras and microphones, and software needed for video conferencing. That way you can equip your teams with permanent, high-quality solutions that will perform their best, allowing your team to do the same. Provide connectivity solutions A major component of a successful hybrid work solution is a smooth transition between remote and in-office work. You’ll want to make it as simple as possible for people to switch between the two in order to get best results in both locations. For example, a laptop docking station can help save time between setting up and breaking down setups in the office, while allowing them to utilize the same equipment and be comfortable. Elevate the meeting experience Gartner reports that by 2024, only 25% of meetings will happen fully in person. Since most people will be taking meetings primarily via video conferencing, you can implement technology that elevates the meeting experience with microphones and cameras that mimic the in-person experience. You also should consider meeting spaces that allow individuals to use their preferred meeting platforms for best user experiences. These are referred to as “open rooms,” being equipped with a simple and seamless setup utilizing umbrella equipment — that way, all teammates, clients, partners, etc. can join easily and have a productive meeting. So what’s the secret to implementing all of these successfully? Well, it’s not really a secret. Rather, it’s having the right AV integrator by your side to develop the options that will work best in your new hybrid workspace. IVCi has been doing that for organizations for years, but especially since the pandemic has put a new emphasis on AV technology. Our team is ready to design, implement, and support a full AV system and make sure your team has the skills to make the most of it. OCTOBER 13, 2021/ How to Budget for Audio Visual and Video Conferencing Solutions NEWS While the last few months of the year tend to pass in the blink of an eye, it’s important to use this time to plan ahead for next year. Most managers and decision makers are in the thick of their 2022 planning, including budgets. If you know you are in need of a technology upgrade, it’s important to include that in your budget. But that can be confusing when you are not entirely sure what you need, or what the total cost will be for the year — after all, there is no way to really predict what is going to happen in a given year (2020 taught us that!). To help you navigate this challenge, we’ve put together some tips for budgeting for audio visual and video conferencing solutions. 1. Consider every cost While AV equipment will likely make up the bulk of your expenses, that doesn’t cover the whole scope of associated costs. If you don’t take into account all related costs, you could end up having to sacrifice something important down the line, which can impact functionality and team productivity. Some common costs you may not initially think of: Upgrades to power equipment Furniture considerations Subscriptions Service agreements Support services The type and amount of cost will vary from setup to setup, but this will give you a good place to start. 2. Understand your network requirements and business needs You’ll also need to understand how a video conferencing system would work on your existing network. For example, are there currently enough network drops and bandwidth to support bringing in your ideal AV setup? If not, a network upgrade may be necessary and that would factor into the budget. Also, consider your business needs and goals for the upcoming year. Are you developing a full return to office plan, or are you adopting a hybrid workplace? Knowing how and from where your teams will work is essential in setting an AV budget. 3. Choose a fixed-cost option Sometimes the biggest challenge of budgeting for your audio visual conferencing systems is the fluctuation of costs throughout the year. However, there are AV as a Service options that operate on a subscription model, allowing you to move the expense from CapEx to OpEx and have it be more predictable. For example, the IVCi Evolve AVaaS program provides all inclusive upgrades, flexible term lifecycles, on-demand QR code support, and a dedicated team to assist you with anything you may need — all under one subscription. 4. Trust the experts If you are still unsure, you can always reach out to a trusted AV integrator like IVCi to discuss your current landscape and where you hope to be in the future. They can make recommendations and provide estimates to help you budget accurately. If you need assistance planning for your 2022 AV and video conferencing setup, reach out to IVCi today. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in all areas of your AV integration process, so you can budget and plan accordingly to be prepared. OCTOBER 6, 2021/ Live Streaming 101 for Live Events NEWS In the past year and a half, there’s been a huge shift away from in-person events because of COVID-19. Even today, as vaccines are readily available, most events are taking place in a virtual or hybrid format. However, live streaming events can leave a lot of room for technical difficulties. Without a smooth user experience, attendees can get frustrated, leave the event, and avoid coming to your future live events. We’ve put together a Live Streaming 101 guide to help you put on successful live events that keep attendees happy and engaged with your brand. Creating your event plan There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to live streaming a live event, so it’s important to make a comprehensive plan. Some items to cover in your plan to help you get started: What is the purpose of your event? What is your budget? How many attendees are you expecting? Will the event be 100% live or include pre-recorded sessions? Are all attendees having the same experience or will there be different paths or breakout sessions? How many people will need to have camera/microphone access? Answering these starter questions will help you figure out a baseline plan and bring up any other specific questions you may need to answer. Starting with the right equipment and platforms Your plan will help you determine what equipment and platforms are right for your event. If your organization already uses a platform, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, it’s best to stick with that since your team is familiar with it so it reduces the chance of user error. You’ll also need high-quality cameras and microphones to most closely replicate the in-person experience. You may also need additional equipment like AV carts, digital displays, and connected devices to complete the experience. Testing everything under similar circumstances It’s important to test all of your equipment under realistic circumstances. It’s easy for everything to go smoothly when there are three users logging in, but that’s not what the live event will be. Test with as many team members as possible, having them utilize chat and question features as well. Also, be sure to do a dry run of any presentations that way if there’s any additional media that needs to be streamed, you can be sure it works too. Preparing your audience and getting attendees Once you’re confident you can run your event with no technical issues, it’s time to attract attendees. Send targeted email campaigns, social media ads, and organic content to spread the word and get people excited to attend. Gathering feedback and improving for the future Live streaming best practices don’t stop once the event is over. It’s crucial to send a post-event anonymous survey to gather feedback and improve events for the future. That way, even if an attendee had an issue or concern, they can register for your next event with confidence knowing that the experience will be improved. These tips will help your organization successfully live stream live events. But it always helps to have an expert on your side to help ensure you have the right systems in place for high quality live streaming. IVCi is here to help your organization get started or take your setup to the next level — contact us today to learn more. SEPTEMBER 22, 2021/ Page 1 of 10 1 2 3 › » Where to find us 601 Old Willets Path Hauppauge, NY 11788 Tel: 800-224-7083 Email: info@ivci.com Interesting Links Redwood Credit Union – Case Study First Financial Credit Union – Case Study AvidXchange – Case Study More Stuff Who is IVCi? 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