Health Technology And Human Touch Need Not Be At Odds

In the October issue of Health Affairs, Abraham Verghese had a wonderful essay about the practice of medicine entitled “The Importance of Being,” in which he straightforwardly states: “I want to teach the art of being present.” He aptly points out that, as physicians, “we are chained to the [electronic] medical record, and every added keystroke adds another link in the chain.” He calls for us to break that chain. Indeed, the intrusion of health information technology has led to a serious erosion of doctor-patient communication during visits, often with frank dissociation between both. But, as Dr. Verghese points out, what patients really want and need is for their doctors to be present, listening, caring, and totally connected with them during an encounter. Most doctors would like that, too. That’s why they went into medicine in the first place, not to type on keyboards or keep their eyes peeled on electronic screens. The last two words of Verghese’s piece nailed the essential missing component: Presence. Period. I was quite impressed with the message of this essay, and Dr. Verghese and I sent a few messages back and forth about it on Twitter: Presence. Period.https://t.co/Unxuk0xUi5 @Health_Affairs by @cuttingforstoneexcellent. pic.twitter.com/wy09liMWZL — Eric Topol (@EricTopol) October 7, 2016 Eric thanks! Folks often assume our views must b in opposition (& I'm a Luddite!) Far from it! Shared core values! So pleased u like this. https://t.co...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Drugs and Medical Technology Featured Health IT Health Professionals Narrative Matters Physicians physicians perspective Source Type: blogs