MMT 2010 Volume: 14 Issue: 1 (February)
In the pharmaceutical realm, automated software and robotics do more of the processing, filling, distributing and dispensing. That frees up more time for pharmacists, improves the accuracy of orders and, in some cases, lets patients skip unnecessary encounters with pharmacy employees.
With medical records generally, developments in IT permit medical professionals to access information more immediately and through many types of devices. Patients at their bedsides or even at home can, in an increasing number of cases, also access their records. They get a better understanding of their conditions, the possible avenues of treatment and just what to expect from such treatments.
Finally, video game software in which people play tennis or in a rock band, or create avatars of some type to play in a virtual world online, is easily converted for medical uses, including letting trainee nurses practice how to prepare and handle surgical devices, helping combat medics better understand the noise and fear of a battlefield medical emergency, and allowing veterans under psychological stress to more anonymously work through feelings of guilt or rage about past operations.
Personal interactions between patients and providers are all well and good, but sometimes we just want to go about our business without having to stop and explain ourselves. Where else do you see IT’s indulgence of people’s misanthropy benefiting medical care? As always, please call or email me with your thoughts.
Ted McKenna, Editor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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