Dublin GP Practice Launches Online Consultations for its Patients with VideoDoc
Service will open up GP access for patients who can’t access GP surgeries due to work or family commitments, illness, mobility or isolation
14th February 2016: A GP Practice in Tallaght in Dublin has become the first GP Practice in Ireland to offer online video consultations to its patients using VideoDoc. The installation of the VideoDoc technology in the Jobstown Family Practice means that patients of the practice will now be able to see their local GP from their own homes or workplaces. The technology is currently in use in four sites in the US and is in pilot launch phase with GPs in Ireland. It is planned to make the technology available to patients throughout Ireland through their GPs in the spring.
Founded in 2014, VideoDoc’s technology is unique in Ireland as it is being supplied directly to GPs to allow them to offer it to their own patients based on their clinical need. Through the use of telemedicine and mobile technology, VideoDoc has the potential to improve access for patients while at the same time maintaining continuity of patient care.
Commenting on the pilot launch phase, Dr Robert Kelly, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director at VideoDoc said: “The launch of VideoDoc’s online consultations with GPs is a unique ground-breaking development in the modern day treatment of patients in primary care in Ireland. Healthcare is all about trust and patients need to build a level of trust in their GPs off-line in order to feel comfortable with an online consultation. This is how VideoDoc is different. It allows patients to see their own GPs with whom they have built a trusting relationship with already from their own homes or workplaces.”
Commenting on the benefits to patients and GPs, Jobstown Family Practice GP, Dr Darach Ó Ciardha said: “I am excited to offer this technology to our patients in Tallaght and are looking forward to seeing how it works. The technology offers patients the opportunity to see their own GPs rather than a GP whom they have never met before. It allows us as GPs to ensure the continuity of care of our patients, as we know them and have access to their records and medical history during the online consultation. Through VideoDoc we can offer access to patients who might not be in a position to travel to the surgery due to work or family commitments, illness, immobility or isolation.”
GPs who are interested in getting involved in the pilot phase are invited to register their interest by visiting www.videodoc.ie.
Media Coverage
The Irish Times – Monday 15th February 2016
Dr. Robert Kelly, Co-founder, Medical Director (MD MBA, FRCPI)
Interventional cardiologist, digital healthcare innovator and entrepreneur Dr. Kelly’s passion is finding innovative ways to make healthcare better. This includes connected health, telemedicine and the use of mobile technology. Special interests include cardiovascular imaging, stenting, risk assessment, cardiac monitoring and digital healthcare innovation. Dr. Kelly also hold current positions as: Consultant Cardiologist, Director of HealthCheck Program, Director of Innovation, Beacon Hospital, Dublin. Dr. Kelly graduated RCSI Medical School completed cardiology training in Ireland, UK and USA. He also holds an MBA.
Mary O’ Brien, Co-founder & CEO (MA HRM, BA(Hons) HRM, FCIPD, PMI)
A healthcare professional with 15 years’ experience. Previously co-founded a pharmaceutical company concentrating on drug development for the treatment of addiction. From 2000 to 2006 worked with Uniphar PLC as a member of the management team acquiring retail pharmacies in Ireland as part of a private equity venture raising in excess of €600 million to expand the business.
Damian Kissane, Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer, Interim CTO (FCSI, MBA, BSc(Hons), MSTA (CFTe), (FCA Registered, CF30)
Over 30 years’ experience as a global investment banker before becoming an active investor and healthcare entrepreneur in 2012. Previously with UBS, Deutsche Bank and RBS. Between 2002 and 2007, RBS PLC Group Executive – Chief Technology & Operating Officer, Global Head of Risk for the Global Banking & Markets Businesses including Chief Technology and Chief Financial Officer. Chairman of the RBS Asset Management PLC and Treasurer of the Wealth Management Division (Coutts & Co, RBSI etc.). Previously Deutsche Bank Global Markets, Chief Operating Officer and Global Risk Manager Global Derivatives and Fixed Income. Damian is also the Chief Technology Officer