The next medical breakthrough may come out of the information technology (IT) department, not the research lab. Health information technology is poised to revolutionize the delivery of health care by increasing access to information and supporting collaboration among caregivers. VoIP unified communications (UC) will play a central role in realizing this vision of collaborative medicine. Today�s VoIP already offers the technological sophistication to link workers and overhaul inefficient workflows. Digitized health records and point-of-care data devices promise to supply the other major piece of the puzzle: information management. The future of health care depends on a communications system capable of bringing interpersonal and data communications onto the same platform.

This white paper explores how the synergy between VoIP technology and health information applications will transform medical care. Each sector on its own brings distinct advantages to health care delivery. Together, UC and health IT have the power to reshape the system, creating a new model of efficient, effective care capable of meeting the challenges ahead.