Three decades into the Information Age, we’ve become accustomed to ever-faster speeds and larger data capacities in smaller hardware. Kilobytes became megabytes, then gigabytes and terabytes, as information technology keeps crossing new thresholds. In healthcare, information technology and electronic medical records have given medical offices powerful tools to help manage an enormous and growing volume of data. However, keyboards and desktop computer systems haven’t really fit that well into the physician’s workflow. Having to adapt to the needs of equipment rather than equipment serving the needs of the physician has slowed the transition to healthcare IT at exactly the point that information is most critical. What’s new in healthcare IT are tools that will help physicians save time and expedite the work process. “With the new generation of IT tools, physicians won’t necessarily need keyboards. Some are already using data pads, and we’ve developed touch screens that allow them to order labs and referrals by simply touching a screen. They are never more than two or three touches away from what they need,” said Reuben Buckareff, CEO of Blink MD. “We’ve also been working with artificial intelligence researchers who do machine cognition work with NASA. We’re creating much more advanced voice recognition capabilities. In addition to dictating notes and having the system transcribe them, they can use voice commands for many tasks. The system is capable of learning terms and medications associated with a diagnosis so it can anticipate what the physician will need next. It can pull up a lists of medications the physician typically prescribes, compare it to the patient’s allergies and other medications, and can work online in the background checking for recent advisories, dosages and other prescribing information. “Physicians have to either carry a tremendous amount of information in their heads, or spend a lot of time checking references. These “smart tools” put decision support information right at their fingertips.” The new generation of HIT tools also brings all patient information together on one screen in a profile where the physician can see and access medical records, referrals, lab reports, and imaging “Some doctors are using technology to help them communicate more effectively with patients,” said Donald Porterfield, senior hardware customer support service specialist for FlexMedical. “They are choosing larger display screens on more powerful computers so they can show patients their MRIs and other imaging as they discuss a diagnosis and treatment options. “More physicians are also using wireless systems so they can go from exam room to exam room without having to sign in again. Some are taking their notebook computer with them when they have to be out of the office, so they can access the information they need from any wireless hot spot,” said Porterfield. “If used properly, healthcare information technology can help physicians work more efficiently to help more people.” Tomorrows Trends Judging by hot topics in IT circles and the direction of technology, here are developments we may be seeing more of in the next few years. Virtualization There is likely to be a growing migration of core applications to online delivery models and outsourcing. More information technology users are likely to be buying IT infrastructure as a service rather than as premises-based hardware. This would allow more agility in scaling up or scaling down capacity, upgrading to more advanced capabilities or even deploying a new data center in a day. Digital Convergence Information systems and communications are being combined in unified, enhanced voice, data, video and other collaborative tools. This will integrate information with workflows and common applications. Growth in Wi-Fi and Data Mobility There is likely to be more use of flash memory and less reliance on hard drives. Patients may be carrying their medical records with them in data devices as small as a key chain, and they could soon be using platforms similar to banking to access their medical information. “We’re working on a kiosk system that patients can use to check in at the front desk, update their records and insurance information, and even use their ATM card to pay their copay,” said Buckareff. Internet spreadsheets will be capturing real-time data, and more physicians will be accessing it as they move around their offices or around the city using Wi-Fi connections. Physicians are also learning that patients appreciate wi-fi access. Some Birmingham practices are already offering Internet hotspots where patients can use their laptops to work while they wait. If the wait is longer than expected, there’s less stress about getting behind in their work. That should make for a better office visit for both doctor and patient. July 2008