This week in class we discussed the influence of technology on the doctor-patient relationship, patient advocacy, and clinical processes. This includes the doctor-patient relationship shifting mainly from authority positions to partner positions. So, instead of a doctor telling a patient which treatment they will use and implementing the treatment in the patient, the doctor and patient can choose the best treatment plan for the patient together. The future of patient advocacy is considering a more virtual approach. This would include a realistic, medically educated virtual "character" who would be able to have conversations with you about your medical concerns and can be accessed nearly anywhere, in real time. Finally, we discussed the implication of technology on the clinical process and how a hybrid model between traditional care and telehealth is becoming increasingly popular. For example, a hybrid model may consist of in person consultation and diagnosis with biweekly traditional therapy sessions, while on the off weeks may have "homework" or online therapy exercises to complete online that the clinician has access too. This model is also more efficient for collaborative care and stepped care models. As an aspiring clinician, I feel as if the hybrid model makes the most sense and would unsure the highest satisfaction for both the patient and the provider. The hybrid model is a model that I see as ideal and will strongly consider implementing in my future career.
We also discussed the application of applying this technology to mental health treatments internationally and cross-culturally. This could include videoconferencing and treatment where the patient is located in one country and the practitioner in another. However, it could also include treatments in which both the provider and the patient live in the same country but there are no practitioners around that are culturally competent in the patient's or experiences or that the patient feels will understand them.
One article I found suggests that with the Affordable Care Act there would be an increase in patients and consumer demand. As a solution to the high demands that may be extremely taxing on the healthcare system they suggested the three key things healthcare systems should have is: integrated technology ( online health records), patient friendly portals (to send and receive secure messages) and increased advertising. I agree with this article as these have been things I have felt were key throughout many discussions in our class.
http://insights.wired.com/profiles/blogs/why-new-consumer-based-healthcare-models-require-innovative#axzz4dWcJyzoa
I agree that this hybrid model will ultimately be better for provider and patient. This would overall be more beneficial for treating all populations especially in children and underserved populations.
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