The Internet has spawned an era of `informed healthcare` that is equipping consumers with enough information to diagnose themselves or probe more deeply into the treatment suggested by their medical practitioners, says Lorna Powe, head of the healthcare vertical at Computer Sciences Corporation SA.
"Information technology (IT) is not only changing the way healthcare companies operate, but it is also changing the relationship between medical professionals and patients,"says Powe. "Today`s healthcare consumers are assertive in seeking the best medical care; they are demanding more information on healthcare issues and are taking more responsibility for decisions affecting their health. Historically, patients tended to accept a paternalistic approach from the medical profession, but this approach is being replaced by a trend towards informed healthcare and self-diagnosis."
Powe says consumers are using the Internet to educate themselves about diseases and medical care before they visit a doctor and are increasingly questioning the advice and treatment received from their doctors. Many are consulting the Web - and not another doctor - for a second opinion. These include a number of people who traditionally have not accessed the Web, such as the so-called `silver surfers` or senior citizens, who are having an increased presence on the Web.
But consumers should not base important healthcare decisions solely on the information they obtain from the Internet as there is no guarantee that the information on the Web is accurate.
CSC, a leading international provider of IT solutions to the healthcare industry, believes that while technology may be empowering healthcare consumers by providing access to information, IT`s greatest value in healthcare lies in the improvements it can bring to the way in which healthcare services are delivered to patients.
"Investing in healthcare technology need not cost millions of Rands," says Powe. "The efficient use of technology - particularly the Internet - in hospitals can lead to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. These savings can then be passed on to the patient."
Technology can also assist hospitals and other medical institutions faced with critical staff shortages to reduce errors - be they medication, prescription transcription, order, administration or dosing errors. Technology will help simplify the care process, limit the duplication of work and patient information, improve communication, improve patient care documentation compliance and provide additional decision support tools.
"There is no doubt that technology will continue to change the face of healthcare - whether it be through the provision of healthcare information or by enhancing the way in which healthcare services are delivered," concludes Powe.
Share