The healthcare industry has never had more digital technology at its fingertips. Through the lens of a single patient, here is how VodafoneThree connectivity and the associated tech can help save lives.
Meet 68-year-old Janice*. While attending a routine NHS health check, health professionals noted that her blood pressure readings were elevated, suspecting hypertension as the cause.
With no notable medical history that may explain the increase since her last annual check, she is asked to log her blood pressure at home over the course of a week.
This leads to the hospital booking her in for an electrocardiograph. But, before she can make her appointment, Janice suddenly experiences left-sided weakness and slurred speech while watching television at home.
The next few weeks show just how important a role technology and connectivity play in helping to save her life.
1. Emergency response
As soon as Janice showed symptoms of a potential stroke, her husband Nathan dialled 999. Upon answering the call, an emergency dispatcher quickly relayed the symptoms to paramedics en route.
Thanks to VodafoneThree’s Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity via its high-speed 5G network, these details are uploaded to the paramedics’ tablets before they even arrive at the house.
Already equipped with the key information, the paramedics make rapid, informed decisions, performing an initial assessment before using their secure clinical messaging platform to communicate directly with stroke specialists back at the hospital.
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2. Hospital care
As Janice arrives at her local hospital, she is transferred straight to the stroke unit, having been prioritised by eTriage** – an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered digital triage system.
Here, her vital signs are checked, a neurologic screening performed, and a CT scan conducted, confirming an ischemic stroke. Vodafone’s IoT-enabled asset tracking, powered by Kinsetsu, ensures the relevant equipment – from infusion pumps to portable monitors – are located instantly, reducing the likelihood of any treatment delays.
As a result, Janice receives her clot-dissolving treatment within the crucial time window, significantly improving her chances of recovery. Her hospital team uses a secure communication system, Alertive, throughout to coordinate care and ensure each department is on the same page.
How we address connectivity challenges
Digital access
Expanding affordable connectivity solutions, so patients can access telehealth services, even in rural areas.
Data integration
Supporting interoperability between Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), hospital records and GP systems to enable a unified view of patient health.
Cybersecurity
Implementing cutting-edge encryption and security measures to protect patient data.
Digital literacy
Providing resources and training for both patients and healthcare professionals to confidently use digital health tools.
3. Recovery and rehabilitation
Having been admitted to a stroke unit, Jane begins her physical rehabilitation. Emotional support, meanwhile, is provided by husband Nathan thanks to secure video calling on connected tablets that are powered by VodafoneThree’s mobile connectivity.
Two weeks later, Janice is discharged, along with Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) devices to track her vitals, mobility and recovery progress.
Once again underpinned by VodafoneThree’s IoT connectivity, these devices continuously transmit real-time data to her medical team. In turn, allowing for the early detection of complications and reducing the risk of readmission.
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4. Community-based support
Once home, Janice continues her recovery through a community-based service for stroke survivors, comprising a specialist team of doctors, therapists and nurses.
Virtual check-ups are also scheduled between Janice and her GP via a secure telehealth platform – as are support group meetings – while wearable, motion-tracking sensors make remote physiotherapy possible, delivering data-driven insights into her progress.
Finally, smart home monitoring is put in place, helping to alert healthcare providers if any concerning changes occur as she continues her road to recovery.
Connectivity saves lives
All of which highlights just how vital connectivity is to healthcare. VodafoneThree’s connectivity can help transform patient care, improving speed, accuracy and accessibility at every step of the journey.
As the NHS continues its digital transformation, Vodafone will continue to deliver innovative, secure and scalable healthcare solutions. Solutions that empower patients, support clinicians and enhance overall health outcomes.
Because, as Janice proves, seconds saved can often mean a life saved too.
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* Janice’s journey is a fictional representation of a typical hypertension diagnosis and suspected ischemic stroke patient pathway.
** The use of eTriage in this scenario is purely aspirational, rather than currently available. The functionality exists but our partner eConsult does not provide this at present.
