Facial recognition technology (FRT), is one of the latest biometric technologies to be used in the healthcare industry as a solution for efficient services, safety and security – for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

FRT is a method used to identify a person based on their facial structure and features, such as bone structure and skin texture. Its functional algorithm is based on existing databases, which it searches for features to compare and give results. 

In this blog, we will specifically focus on why facial recognition is the future, the benefits of using this innovative technology, as well as mentioning a few existing facial recognition features in the GoodX Web App. We also include a handy and free downloadable resource. 

Table of Contents 

Facial Recognition is the Future

Slowly yet surely technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), voice recognition, and face recognition are becoming the new norm in the healthcare industry. 

According to Grand View Research, the global AI healthcare market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 41.5% from 2019 to 2025. To read some use cases on how facial recognition can change the healthcare industry, click here

Benefits of Facial Recognition in a Medical Practice

Below are the different lists of benefits of facial recognition for the practitioner, receptionist and patient in a medical practice.

Practitioner Benefits

  • Improved practitioner-patient relationship. 
  • Ensure that the correct patient is being treated. 
  • Secured access to medical software and database. 
  • Access to classified clinical and medical information secured. 

Receptionist Benefits

  • Efficient patient flow. 
  • Know that the patient file is correct. 
  • Avoid the risk of duplicate patient files. 
  • Improved patient relationship with practice. 
  • POPI Act compliance due to increased security measures. 

Patient Benefits

  • Prevent identity theft. 
  • Improved patient experience. 
  • Increased trust in the practice.
  • Improved patient-practitioner relationship. 
  • Increased security of classified personal information.

GoodX Web App Facial Recognition Features

In GoodX Web, facial recognition features have been rolled out to ensure that extra layer of security. There are two key areas where facial recognition is used in the GoodX Web App: 1) the Login screen, and 2) when a patient arrives at the practice. 

To learn more on how the different facial recognition features work, click on the respective feature below: 

Free Downloadable 

For clarification, your practice will be required to build a database of your patient’s photos. A clear photo can simply be taken by your practice’s web camera or a photo can be uploaded onto the correct patient’s file provided the patient has given consent to do so. 

Thus, we would like to give you this free resource that can be printed and displayed in your practice that will motivate why a patient photo is required so that your practice can start embracing the new security tool. 

Conclusion 

The ability to match a human face from a digital image or video frame from an existing database opens a world of possibilities. 

The future of innovative healthcare technology and software looks promising. Efficient tools such as facial recognition will gain more momentum in South Africa to ensure patient information confidentiality.