After months of rigorous development and testing, we are incredibly excited to be launching a brand new feature in the Cinapsis toolkit. In parallel with the expansion of our SmartReferals technology, we are now extending our video calling facility to enable synchronous remote consultations between GPs, their patients, and specialists.

Previously, GPs used the Cinapsis app to access on-the-spot expert opinions from hospital-based specialists. However, now GPs can also consult with, treat and triage patients who choose not to attend an in-person appointment.

What’s more, specialist consultants can now also use the app to communicate directly with the patient, enabling them to perform an assessment and advise on a treatment pathway.

Our video consultation platform offers the same handy features which make our SmartReferrals tool so popular, whilst eliminating the requirement for the GP and patient to be in the same room.

After the GP has simply entered the patient’s NHS number and email address or phone number into the Cinapsis app, the patient will receive an invitation link to join a video call. The GP can also link the patient to a local hospital specialist. 

A visual examination can then take place, and high-quality images can be instantly shared by the patient whilst the participants are in-call. The specialist is then able to advise on the best course of action for the patient, whether that be in-home management, an in-person clinic appointment, or an A&E attendance.

After the call is over, the details are automatically uploaded to the patient’s notes. If necessary, transport to A&E or a community hospital can be arranged by the GP through the Cinapsis app.

Another reason why clinicians love this feature is that,  just like our SmartReferrals tool, doctors can initiate and access these remote consultations securely from anywhere. This gives doctors the flexibility to work from home if necessary - for example if they should need to self-isolate or shield.

When patients are able to engage with their doctor across a video link, they feel more valued and are more likely to agree that their condition is receiving the attention it deserves.

For patients who live a long distance from the surgery or are unable to make an in-person appointment owing to caring or professional responsibilities, video consultations are especially popular and valuable.

Furthermore, the use of video consultations can help ensure that barriers to access are broken down for vulnerable and elderly patients shielding at home.

To protect our NHS, it’s important that non-essential travel and face-to-face contact is kept to a minimum at the present moment.

However, now that Cinapsis has delivered a secure and user-friendly video consulting tool, it’s easier than ever for doctors and specialists to work together to assess patients remotely.

This means that trips to the doctor's surgery and hospitals - which often require the use of public transport and involve time spent in waiting rooms -  can be reduced, which will help to stop the spread of coronavirus and protect GPs and patients from virus exposure.

If you’d like to learn more about our remote consultation tool, or to find out how we can help you to use it in your practice, get in touch with a member of the Cinapsis team here.