Collinson: tech will revolutionise IPMI

Collinson Group in the UK surveyed a number of HR professionals, two-thirds of which stated that they already saw technological services as a ‘significant’ aspect of their duty of care when sending employees abroad. Thirty-eight per cent specifically referred to wellness and medical information support, 15 per cent referred to medical provider information and seven per cent referred to telemedicine as services that can be delivered to staff members remotely using digital technology; online claims, access to policy information, the ability to buy online and rewards linked to trackable devices and lifestyle choices were also cited as important advances.

Telemedicine is an especially notable inclusion, as both the technology behind it and the market for such provision are relatively new – additionally, the number of HR professionals referring to it as significant rose to one in 10 for companies employing more than 500 staff.

“Companies are demanding telemedicine solutions from IPMI providers because they make it possible to communicate with and monitor staff remotely,” commented Collinson’s Commercial Director, Lawrence Watts. “This will allow them to respond quicker in a crisis and provide a higher quality of care. In the future, insurers will be able to monitor employees’ vital signs in real time and intervene, or alert clients so they can intervene, before or as something happens.”