Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta patients. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta patients. Mostrar todas las entradas

eHealth time: A Triangle of Health Opportunities?

eHealth runs the risk of getting caught up in a circle that doesn’t become anything tangible for the medic or the patient. The private sector is taking the wheel and blazing the trail for the public sector to follow if it chooses to. 

Much is talked about regarding what eHealth encompasses, but not much is talked about regarding its benefits. Is it still not tangible for many people and direct beneficiaries of the application of technology to health? What needs to happen for the Public Administration and the private sector to take advantage of these opportunities?

The European Commission showed through a
report last year that it had been betting on eHealth, while the World Health Organization (WHO), that had already been busy the past few months, showed interest in setting up eHealth worldwide, although plans are still certainly very far away.

For example, in
Spain, the situation is not as defined in the public sector; it is more focused right now on social wars to notice the revolution that is occurring in the technology of healthcare right now. However, the war has only been going on for a few years so there are still four clearly defined groups for eHealth:


1. Potential users: anyone who might benefit from health services.
2. Patients: those who are currently utilizing eHealth, including associations of patients, etc.
3. Professionals: trained professionals who provide health services.

4. Health organizations: hospitals, public administrations, etc.  

Undeniably, four open fronts to improve the quality of healthcare in our country would be central in the implementation of technology in health, each as beneficiaries of a new triangle of communication. The three components of the triangle would be: patients/users (both current and potential), professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.), and health organizations.

At this point, how would the theoretical triangle work in practice? Could health services work with patients as an alternative?


eHealth is leading a constant, virtually optimized, connectived, and efficient realm in which it is not necessary for the four aforementioned groups to operate in a physical space—something that has never happened until now. Given that these groups can operate independently in their own spaces, while maintaining optimal communication,
the relationship between patient, doctor, and institution is improving and resulting in satisfaction for all parties involved. Thus, is it safe to say we have a real opportunity?

eHealth time: taking advantage of all of the opportunities that technology can offer?

One of the opportunities that eHealth offers is improving communication between the health professional, the health organization and the patient, something that many understand as a revolution compared to how it was a few years ago. eHealth has opened a new channel of communication between patients and health providers.



The result of this improved communication is that it empowers the patient and offers the medic the possibility of improving their attention thanks to new tools offered by technology, establishing a relation that personalizes medicine and utilizes many new channels.

This new dimension to the relation between medic and patient strengthens various aspects of their relationship, that can be understood as authentic opportunities that eHealth highlights.

1. Direct communication at real time: the patient has free access to inquire about doubts regarding their sickness or medication, and can even schedule an immediate or a second diagnosis. Eliminating the barrier between space and time may be a small feat for technology but it is a monumental feat for the user.

2. Improved assistance to chronic patients: patients who have a chronic illness that they will have to live with for the rest of their lives have found the perfect aid to escape being marginalized by the system, and to continue receiving the help and treatment that they need. 
3. Assistance to dependent patients: an ever-aging country that does not support the increasing demands  of the population of elderly dependents could be a major flaw in the health system. However, eHealth, through the latest advances in telemedicine, improves the medical attention to these types of patients.
4. Rehabilitation: hailed as the most significant method in terms of improved accessibility for the patient, cost efficiency, and quality of care, the patient utilizes technological devices that facilitate repetitive and progressive physical therapy.

Are we taking full advantage? From the perspective of the patients, it is already easy to find solutions in the first three cases. Perhaps not with the diversity that they want, but it is true that current systems are in place that can make life easier if their demand focuses on the specified cases.


From the perspective of the health professionals, above all in the private sector and certainly in point 4, solutions are already being offered, in less intensity, above all in points 2 and 3. Health professionals highlight that point 4 presents an opportunity full of challenges. Yet, perhaps this is because they are not taking full advantage of the edge that technology can offer. 

eHealth time:10 benefits that support the health system

All of the trends in the field of health suggest that 2014 will be a great year for eHealth. Many articles closing 2013 and opening 2014 alluded towards this principle. However, what really brings eHealth to all of those involved in it (institutions, health personnel, physicians, patients)?
While answering this question can invite a large debate with many different responses, we will simply list some benefits that we believe pertain to eHealth.

1. It offers better results in various fields. Especially for the prevention and prognosis of illnesses through new technologies.

2. It makes the health system much more personal. Patients are no longer referred to as a simple number in place of their first and last names. Their information is more accessible and they can Access more services and information tan ever before.

3. It makes medical records and patient data more accessible. Finally, an end to the limiting space and time barrier.

4. It empowers citizens. Citizens who are patients can influence the evolution, adaptation, and decisions of services related to health care.

5. It supports health policies. Support is given to health policies related to the needs of citizens who require caregiving and to telematics service management.



6. It guarantees the right of citizens to health care. Regardless of their personal condition.

7. It facilitates geographic mobility. No matter where you are, you can receive care without having to travel to a particular physical location.

8. It promotes equal opportunities for all. Through its seamless accessibility.

9. It enables safe following. Rest assured that data regarding the medical monitoring of patients, in real time, is safely stored.

10. It increases the speed of medical attention and accessibility. So you can avoid waiting to receive a consultation or a second diagnosis.



Do you think that there are more benefits? What are they? What do you think we missed along the way?