Blog Post 13-Abbi Herrold

This week in class we discussed the impact that the internet has in the doctor-patient relationship and the importance of the consultation. The consultation is a key aspect to the doctor patient relationship as first impressions are a crucial point in any relationship. Consultations give the doctor an opportunity to build rapport with the patient, define their reasons for seeking consultation, give a diagnosis, create a management plan, and come up with a contingency plan for the patient. The consultation likely sets the stone how future interactions will be and confirm the patients feeling about the doctor (are they trustworthy, helpful, etc.) The internet often increases the amount of education that patients have and makes better use of the consultation time. However, this increased amount of information also has its disadvantages as patients have more information to sift through and evaluate whether such information is credible or not. Additionally, online forums can make patients more demanding in nature.

As a future clinician I will do my best to educate my clients on credible online resources for mental healthcare. Additionally, I will try to have a list of websites and applications that may help them manage their condition in conjunction with care.

One program which integrates internet usage, online information, and online consultation is known as Jeevom. Jeevom allows patients to search for a doctor online via proximity, availability, prices, experience and testimony. After selecting a doctor the patient is able to pay for the online consultation via the app. After the appointment has selected, and payment has been processed the patient will send their medical records and presenting problems/symptoms online via secure messaging to the doctor they selected. Finally, the doctor will consult with the patient at the selected appointment time. The doctor can then diagnosis, write prescriptions, and request/send lab work all through the internet. The patient is then able to fill select a nearby lab to get the tests done and confirm an appointment with the lab. Once the lab has been processed the results are released via Jeevom to both the patient and the doctor. The patient can then record symptoms for doctor to observe and contact the doctor free of charge for the next seven days. Therefore, virtually everything but the lab work and picking up prescriptions can be done via the internet and use of technology. Jeevom is a prime example of how the internet is changing our healthcare system.

While the use of the internet and technology further enhances healthcare we must consider those who these new models will not work for. For example, while Jeevom may be intended to help those who do not have insurance it is unlikely that they will have an online medical record accessible to them and they may not be able to cover expensive lab charges. Additionally, while majority of the population has a cell phone not all have a smartphone, webcam, or internet access. We must make sure that as we further advance we do not further exclude.