The new feature is designed for infrequent users of telehealth or people who may not be tech savvy, according to a post on Zoom's website.
Online video conferencing provider Zoom announced this week that it is launching a mobile browser that will allow users to join secure telehealth appointments without downloading the app.
The new feature is designed for infrequent users of telehealth or people who may not be tech savvy, according to a post on Zoom's website.
"Everyone needs healthcare, but not everyone uses technology all the time," Zoom said. "Some patients unfamiliar with how to download an app may have to spend time on the phone with their doctor's office to get assistance — which isn't very convenient if you're sick and trying to access care. Others may only use Zoom to connect with their doctor once or twice a year and may not want to download an app for that."
The mobile browser allows patients to receive a Zoom meeting link from their provider via text or email. When the appointment begins, patients simply clink the link and follow the prompts to launch the meeting on their mobile device.
Patients seeking telehealth access on their desktop or laptop computer can join Zoom meetings directly from a web browser, where they click the link and follow the prompts.
Zoom says the mobile browser will also make life easier for providers by streamlining the process, eliminating the need to download an app, and reducing time spent with tech support.
While patients using the browser will have a simplified user interface that is easy to use, providers will get all the benefits of a Zoom app call, including meeting host controls and virtual background. The browser also allows patients more flexibility to schedule appointments from anywhere, as opposed to being chained to a desktop.
In addition, providers can schedule appointments with a feature that simulates a traditional clinical workflow.
The mobile browser client is available in beta for providers and patients to start using for iOS, with later plans to roll out to additional operating systems.
Zoom is also planning additional features for the browser that will allow providers to send a Zoom meeting link to patients by email or text without exposing the email address or phone number of the web scheduler.
The browser will also soon offer patients an enhanced virtual Waiting Room that will allow providers in a Zoom session to send chat messages to patients in the Waiting Room, greeting them, offering instructions, and letting them know they're in the right place, and presenting a pre-recorded video welcoming patients and familiarizing them with the virtual office.
John Commins is the news editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The mobile browser allows patients to receive a Zoom meeting link from their provider via text or email.
When the appointment begins, patients simply clink the link and follow the prompts to launch the meeting on their mobile device.
Patients seeking telehealth access on their desktop or laptop computer can join Zoom meetings directly from a web browser, where they click the link and follow the prompts.
Zoom says the mobile browser will also make life easier for providers by streamlining the process, eliminating the need to download an app, and reducing time spent with tech support.