3CX Helps Ministry of Health Provide Remote Care During Covid-19 Outbreak
With a significant number of patients critically relying on Mental Health Services (MHS), the ministry urgently needed a remote therapy solution to enable health care professionals to assist and provide sessions online during the pandemic. The MHS found 3CX to be the ideal solution to facilitate enhanced communication, remote working and telehealth services. With the help of Virtual IT, they were able to quickly implement the system in order to continue providing a service to patients in need.
The Challenge
With strict government lock-downs surprising businesses and organizations throughout the island, MHS, like most, were left with little in the way of preparation. Due to the sensitive and sometimes life-saving nature of their services, they were in need of a solution that could be up and running and have them attending to patients online, immediately.
The MHS required a solution that would help them attend to the increasing number of new patients, while ensuring that existing patients continued to be treated, even during lock-down, when in-person therapy sessions were not permitted. Therapists were also looking for a solution that could provide mental health assistance to Covid-19 patients who were quarantined in isolation.
Remote Diagnosis with 3CX
Chief Clinical Psychologist, and Head of the Special Psychologist’s Department of the MHS, Dr. Kyriakos Platrites, considered various solutions to assist the department in the shift to remote working and therapy, and ultimately landed on 3CX for its numerous benefits.
With the help of 3CX Partner Virtual IT, the Mental Health Services department was ready to go with their new remote working solution in just four hours. The system was deployed instantaneously in Google Cloud and made use of 3CX’s free three-year license to cover the needs of organizations during lockdowns. What’s more, there was no need to purchase any additional hardware or devices, as employees are happily using the 3CX apps.
With little to no training, therapists were able to reach patients on a one-to-one basis and in group sessions to provide counseling and therapy from the safety of their homes. As the project proved successful, and demand grew for online counseling and therapy, the service was extended to any Cypriot citizen finding themselves in need of mental health support during the country-wide Covid-19 lock-down.
Patients, or anyone in need of support, is able to contact the Ministry of Health to join the program. A therapist is then scheduled and a 3CX WebMeeting invitation is sent via email, WhatsApp or SMS. All the patient has to do is click on the link in the message to be directed to the meeting.
“The Covid-19 outbreak led to an unprecedented need for digital solutions to facilitate communication, remote working, e-learning, and even telehealth services. Digital tools play a key role in keeping society and economy operational as physical spaces are closed or restricted. Linking people affected by Covid-19 that are in need of professional psychological support services, whether in quarantine or just isolated at home, is key in coping with this difficult crisis situation. 3CX has been a great facilitator and supporter through the free provision of its proven communication and collaboration platform. We express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to 3CX for its valuable contribution to the Government’s efforts to best manage this truly dire situation.”
Dr. Kyriakos Platrites, Chief Clinical Psychologist and Head of Special Psychologists Department, MHS
The Results
Impressed by its rich set of features, user-friendliness, and mobility, the department for Mental Health Services has been able to satisfy the demand for remote services during the Covid-19 lockdown. What’s more, with 3CX’s Covid-19 free three year offer, the Ministry of Health was able to implement the new system with absolutely no license fee. They were able to manage the large volume of requests by offering counseling and therapy online, allowing mental health professionals to assess the mental health situation of the patient and provide the appropriate counseling/therapy required. Just as if their patients were in front of them!
The Customer
In Cyprus, the Ministry of Health is on a continuous mission to improve the overall level of health in the population, from general physical well-being and disease, to mental health. The Ministry promotes equal opportunities for all citizens and co-operation between the public and private health sectors and is constantly striving to improve the effectiveness of public health services.
The Mental Health Services (MHS) department works to provide high-quality care for mental health cover. They offer the treatment and rehabilitation of mental disorders and drug addiction, as well as the development of healthy practices, habits and relationships.
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