The biggest innovation in health is here. And you ’re probably using it.

Health care is obsessed with new technology. Every week, a new article comes out promising disruption of medical care as we know it through personalized genetic therapy, app extensions that transform smartphones into ultrasounds or autonomous surgical robots. Yet, one of the best examples of health care technologies is also one of its oldest — instant messaging. Though the original messaging platform AOL Instant Messenger was sadly discontinued at the end of 2017, it birthed many other programs that are now used in a variety of sectors, particularly within the Veterans Health Administration. Providers at any VA can message each other to and from any facility computer in real-time. As a new primary care physician in my intern year of internal medicine, I had found this means of communication incredibly helpful and easy. If a heart failure patient was having trouble managing his salt intake, I could message the dietician to see him right after my clinic visit. If he started experiencing lightheadedness, I could ask my LPN to bring over the glucometer while I asked him more about his symptoms. If he had questions about transitional housing, I could quickly type to the social worker three floors above me if he could be seen today and, if so, at what time. Anyone can message me back, like my clerk to let me know that a patient is stuck in traffic or the pharmacist with questions about a prescription. We can indicate if we’ve stepped away from our monitors, and savvier users ca...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Tech Mobile health Primary Care Source Type: blogs