Rite Aid (Camp Hill, Pa.) and OptumHealth (Golden Valley, Minn.) have decided to open the doors to technology and have online consultations with patients to discuss symptoms, disease management etc.
I think this is a terrible idea! Consultations shouldn't be done through the computer, it should remain person-to-person contact. Let say the internet goes out or someone walks in from behind, you lose your privacy. During an "on-line consultation" one might not feel that connection as one would feel doing it in person. Some things should be computer based, but when it comes to consultation, that should just remain as it always is...IN PERSON!
http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=C5C3A0CF661C4C62B158CDF5351E414B
I agree! This is a horrible idea. Consultations should be done in person to develop that pharmacist-patient relationship. Not all patients know how to use a computer and this could be an obstacle in getting the consultation they need. It may prove helpful to those that have no form of transportation or have trouble walking, and these services should only be offered to them vs. everyone.
ReplyDeleteI feel like this may be a good idea. Some people are embarrassed about their health status and don't want to tell their friends and family that they need help managing their medications and disease states. I feel like if patients were able to discuss their medical needs and questions online they would be more likely to participate and have no hesitation about any of their questions. Just like people are more outgoing in chat rooms, I feel like patients would be more willing to participate through an online venue.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I feel the same way, I fear that this may one day catch on and viola- we have the next big thing. I mean look the things that you thought that would never catch up. However like you I hope that consultations will be face to face and stay that way.
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