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Internet medicine-nightmare or dream come true?

Posted October 1 by Thomas Fowlkes in Business of Business, Technology, Public Relations

The Internet makes it easy to find volumes of information about subjects one cares little about. Googling song lyrics, for instance, or finding a nice home for sale in scenic Kamchatka. When the topic at hand involves a person's health and well-being—not to mention a little hypochondria here and there—the jackpot of research can easily fill more than the typical home computer or three-ring binder. It has certainly filled more than a few doctor-patient appointments.

Some physicians dread that onslaught of information. Others say it can lead to healthy patient collaboration. Dave DeBrokart, an advocate for patient engagement and communication, is a member of the latter group. According to Dave, "The reality is that there is an enormous flood of new information being published—it's just more than anyone can keep up with. Patients need an educated expert to tell them where to seek out the answers they need."

Ken Davis, MD, doesn't fear his patients' research; he helps them get started. After an appointment, he brings his patient out into the hallway to a computer with Internet access. He shows them how to use a research program about their condition and how to find more information. "A patient will come to their next appointment better informed and ready to work in partnership—and it saves me time. I don't look at the technology as a barrier—I used it to engage them by directing them to the right source."

Patients prefer providers who use Internet-based tools to augment care, according to Deloitte's 2009 survey of healthcare consumers. More than half want to communicate with their doctor via email to exchange health information and get answers to questions. Some 68% are interested in remote monitoring devices that allow self-monitoring of their condition and electronic reporting of results to their physician. The figure was surprisingly even higher for seniors. Additionally, 93% of patients who received a new diagnosis said they immediately went to the Internet for answers. Only 7% of those patients reported being directed to particular sites by a healthcare professional.

Some of this disparity may arise from a conflict in time and resources. This is where Mdi and others in the healthcare industry are proactively linking these resources to patient-friendly websites and other resources. Like all matters of health, a little thoughtful planning can reap big rewards down the road.