Many healthcare organisations have implemented visitation restrictions in order to curb the spread of the virus. In an effort to enable interaction, though, some organisations are planning to offer iPads to patients in order to communicate with would-be visitors. But because these would be shared devices, it’s imperative to ensure that each time a new patient receives an iPad, it has been returned to a “ready state.” To automatically manage the provisioning, usage, and wipe of these devices, organisations are looking to GroundControl, now an Imprivata offering, to help.

Given visitation restrictions, many healthcare organisations are using shared mobile devices to support virtual interactions for patients. Some organisations are leveraging Mobile Device Access to allow patients to quickly and securely access conferencing applications. Clinicians can log in to the device to start the session for the patient​ and a link is then sent to the patient’s family member who can connect to virtually meet with the patient​. The clinician can then tap out at the end of the session on the device to be cleared for next patient or clinical use​.

Many organisations are restricting physical contact with COVID-19 patients to reduce exposure to the virus. However, some organisations are planning to give iPads to patients in order to facilitate care by ensuring patients can communicate with clinical staff when telehealth check-ins are appropriate. Because these iPads would be shared, and therefore would need to be configured and returned to a “ready state” for the next patient, organisations are working with Imprivata to implement GroundControl to help manage, secure, and expedite the process.

Due to visitation limitations, providers have needed to change the way they think about communicating with patients and their families. Traditional methods of communications, like SMS text and email, might not be secure, could expose PHI, and are not HIPAA-compliant. In order to coordinate visits, for example, organisations are using Imprivata Cortext to send out-of-network communications from care team members to family members. This allows providers to enable secure, convenient, and HIPAA-compliant messaging.