Use of Internet in Healthcare

An excellent article! As a hospital administrator, I can attest firsthand on the significance of computer and technology applications in the healthcare industry. Application of technologies, such as telemedicine and computerized medical/business record keeping is a MUST if an entity is to survive or compete in the marketplace. I believe that concerns about data security are sometimes overblown and exaggerated by those not comfortable with the use of technology in the first place. Technology Phobia, I guess! I contend that data maintenance via computers is more secure in a hard drive than in soft human hands and gossiping human minds. Productivity is the key to survival if healthcare is to be delivered in a competitive mode while maintaining the highest quality that our healthcare system is renowned for.
Realizing the implications of techno-phobias, we introduced computerization and telemedicine, by using child psychology. We took small baby steps like holding their hands to walk the talk, then provided training wheels in the form of email capabilities to get folks excited. And once the choir was excited to the point of climax, we forged right ahead with complete computerization. Because of the fear of technology (real or perceived), I believe that there must be lot of hand holding and staff training before technology or anything ``new`` is introduced to humankind. But lot of us in healthcare make the mistake of forcing technology. And when something is forced, it is doomed to failure from Day 1. Staff will sabotage the process every step of the way if it is not introduced gradually and at their pace.
A simple yet significant step. But lot of us in the excitement of keeping up with the Joneses forget this basic step, Psychology 101. Another important factor in getting the staff used to technology is to use outhouse consultants (insultants?) or inhouse mentors who can walk the talk with their feet firmly planted to Planet Earth. And not aliens of the third kind who space-walk the space-talk! Just a few points which an otherwise excellent article did not cover.

Sincerely,

Moe Chaudry, President/CEO
Lake Chelan Community Hospital
Lake Chelan, Washington (The ``Other`` Washington aka Evergreen State)