It is interesting to see the battle between the two formats of high definition video (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD). It seems like the winner is Blu-ray, but it will indeed be a short-lived victory… Who is the real winner? Electronic delivery of contents. It is amazing to see how they fight, and while they do, how they fail to see the big picture. The revolution will be downloaded.
Likewise, in healthcare we are witnessing a similar conceptual battle. The 21st century healthcare system is still using a 19th century paperwork system. There is no question that the electronic medical record (EMR) is the future of health care. Medical records will allow more efficiency and it will provide excellence and convenience to patients. Pay attention; that patient might be you.
But while we struggle to create a standard electronic medical record, patients are willing to read on their computers everything doctors write about them. They are demanding this, and as we are not satisfying their needs, they are turning to several new online services that make it possible for them to scan, store and manage their personal electronic medical records, safely, securely, and without the headaches associated with paperwork and medical record keeping. Some entrepreneurs identified the need and are providing the solution.
You may shiver at the thought, but in the near future, I'm convinced downloading a medical record at home will become routine and it certainly will transform the practice of medicine. Doctors will "declassify" medical records and develop them jointly with patients.
So, we need to see the big picture. This is not about the different administrations pushing a “one and only” standardized EMR system. Yes, the different administrations have the responsibility to push it forward, and this is good, but they need to acknowledge as well that the EMR of the future will be designed as well “bottom-up”, directly arising from the needs of citizens.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
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1 comments:
"The revolution will be downloaded."... I will far forward that vision.
In my vision the revolution will be spread and widely disseminated.
The big picture is the dissemination of power.
Evidence Based Medicine meant the end of the "gurus" as medical knowledge source. Everyone can produce knowledge.
The revolution allows patients to access the last trials related with their disease. And discuss with their doctors.
Allows a primary care doctor in the middle of Utah to get updated about the last treatments and advances in any disease in a couple of ours.
Allows to build strong knowledge communities between patients and between doctors.
Allows instant access to your personal doctor worldwide so continuity of care will be assured.
Allows you (whatever you are a patient or a primary care physician) to compare performance between surgeons and select the most convenient facility for you (or your patients).
Revolution will be downloaded, but more importantly, will be "user-empowered"
Of course, that revolution will happen outside the current structures.
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