In order to face the challenges posed by ever-growing changes in global healthcare standards and emerging healthcare risks, the importance of continuous and reliable medical assistance cannot be overstated. Many organizations adopt a follow-the-sun model to meet this demand, ensuring 24/7 coverage by strategically deploying teams across different time zones. This approach brings forth a wealth of benefits, particularly in the context of providing seamless medical assistance services.
Continuous Coverage by Experienced Professionals
The principle of the follow-the-sun model lies in its ability to provide clients direct access to local knowledge underpinned by global healthcare governance. Global and regional teams of highly experienced medical professionals deliver medical assistance to clients using real-time case management during daylight hours across the globe. This ensures a more effective and responsive service and is in stark contrast to a centralized model utilizing global partners without a consistent command and control capability.
Efficient Resource Utilization
Medical teams and logistics experts working across different time zones facilitate continuous collaboration and knowledge sharing. This optimizes resource utilization by maximizing efficiency during peak working hours and enables a seamless transition of information between teams. In the event of emergencies such as natural disasters or pandemics, this model ensures that a responsive team is always available to coordinate and provide essential medical assistance. It can also provide surge capacity for major global events.
Streamlined Operations and Cost Reduction
Adopting a follow-the-sun approach streamlines and optimizes operations, ultimately reducing the cost of running multiple operations globally. By leveraging a network of global experts to manage a vetted network of healthcare providers, organizations can minimize the need for proprietary clinics. This flexibility allows medics to choose the most appropriate facility for a patient’s needs, enhancing overall patient care.
Rigorous Provider Assessment
Central to the success of this model is the meticulous assessment of medical service providers. A dedicated network team follows a rigorous process, evaluating factors such as the breadth and depth of medical services, clinical and management governance structures, staffing levels, and legal compliance. This systematic approach categorizes facilities into rankings such as Centre of Medical Excellence, Preferred Provider, Standard Provider, Basic Provider, and Non-Validated Provider.
Ongoing Evaluation and Improvement
The follow-the-sun model continues beyond initial assessments. Regular interaction, ongoing evaluation, and a regional-specific focus ensure continuous improvement and compliance among healthcare providers. This relationship management approach supports the constant review of effectiveness and compliance, maintaining a robust infrastructure to meet client and patient needs.
Agreements and Oversight
Agreements with service providers include clear service levels, financial direct settlement terms, patient confidentiality, and more. Scheduled reviews, both systematic and physical, ensure compliance with contractual terms, identify areas for improvement, and enhance overall performance.
Optimal Cost Management
Procurement approaches are designed in line with continual performance reviews, ensuring optimal cost management. The network team works towards fulfilling the full impact of agreed terms with suppliers, achieving financial benefits, and adapting provider renewals to meet evolving territory and customer requirements.
A follow-the-sun approach to medical assistance ensures round-the-clock coverage, enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and prioritizes continuous improvement. By embracing this model, assistance organizations can deliver top-tier services globally while focusing on patient care, compliance, and financial sustainability.
Crisis24 provides 24/7/365 follow-the-sun global assistance and response services through our Global Operations Centers (GOC) strategically located around the world. Our GOCs act as hubs for all command, control, and communications for travel, medical, and security inquiries, routine, and emergency assistance tasks, with each GOC providing surge capacity to its counterparts when demand increases. Learn more about Crisis24 Medical and Security Assistance.
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