Almost half of patients over the age of 65 use the Internet.
Contrast that with the percentage of doctors who use computers in their offices or in hospitals, which is a number hovering around 20 percent.
Of course, that doesn’t mean doctors, in general, are computer Luddites. On the contrary, there are many who are trying to push the envelope, integrating the latest in social media and the Internet into their practice.
But as long as the financial incentives continue to obstruct doctors from adopting technology, patients will continue to be several steps ahead of their physicians when it comes to using the web to manage their health.
Or, as Jay Parkinson writes, “since the Feds define how we get paid, we’re going to limp along . . . while society races past us in this era of profound changes in the way humans communicate.”
Similar Posts:
- How many Americans are going online for health information?
- The balancing act between science and art is what makes medicine so challenging
- Why doctors fail to embrace Health 2.0
{ 3 comments }
Older adults becoming familiar with technology will help as new technologies are developed to assist them. Read a post I wrote on the subject: http://www.elderguru.com/2009/02/17/technological-advances-help-seniors-remain-in-their-homes/
If you haven’t written a post on Obama’s plans to use stimulus money on health care software/technology that would be interesting to read.
- Derrick
The communications revolution is making it much easier for our elders to stay in touch, keep informed, and learn new things. Also easier to start and maintain an online business using skills and practices honed over a lifetime of experience.
Chuck Brooks
FutureWare SCG
I work with computers all day and my elder relatives are more plugged into many of the social and recreational tools out there than I am.
Comments on this entry are closed.