Advances in technology are contributing to delivery of care in remote locations. Technology gives the ability for experienced clinicians to treat patients remotely and communicate with wound care certified professionals. Until recently, immobile patients and those with chronic wounds relied heavily upon transport services or family for access to on-going treatments, which often accounted for delayed diagnosis, prolonged hospital visits, and unnecessarily high treatment costs. Now, clinicians can be equipped with smart mobile devices with digital photography, video capability and other medical devices provides immobile patients access to expert specialists for real-time diagnosis and treatment.
Is this the future of medicine and wound care? Can technology help cut costs if used in this manner or is it more of a concierge service? Recently there was a Press Release about the Wound Technology Network Teaming up with AT&T to Facilitate Treatment of Chronically Wounded Patients in Their Homes.
Having access to Wound Care Certified professionals in real time would have its advantages. George Pollack, Chief Technology Officer at Wound Technology Network states “Not only are our specialists able to deliver on-site quality care in real-time, they are able to aid in significantly minimizing the healing time of patients and the overall cost of their treatment.” The saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ could lend validity to that statement. Video and real time collaboration could really make a difference in the patients who can’t access ongoing care at traditional point of service locations like outpatient clinics, offices or hospitals.
As technology advances, so do the challenges for those that have not embraced those capabilities. Many of us already use computers and digital cameras or video cameras. Utilizing them as extensions to our medical or wound care practices should be as natural as having an inservice on a new IV pole or wound care dressing. Some of the technology is user friendly and some may take some time to become familiar until they become extensions of our care delivery. We all had to learn to use a stethoscope, EKG machine or Negative Pressure Wound Therapy device early in our careers. Now is the time to embrace using EMRs, Computers, cameras and other devices that help communicate between health care professionals.
Video Conferencing services like Skype.com or Oovoo.com are making communication between people very attractive. Health care workers that treat patients remotely could take advantage of services like these to communicate remotely with patients who have hardships traveling to see their doctors.
So, how are you using technology in your practices? The Wound Care Education Institute would like to know your thoughts on how technology, social media and other services will be utilized or are already being used. Please leave your comments.
For more information on becoming Wound Care Certified, please visit WCEI’s Registration Page
