A Spot look at some Benefits and Challenges of the internet in Healthcare

A line from the 2007 movie , “ Knocked Up”,  “ Google it!” sums up the norm  of today for those in search of complex answers to their health care questions.

However challenging to physicians and the current state of the provision of healthcare in the US,

The  “connectivity”  that the internet provides can be reassuring to patients who are struggling for answers and support. Most of us have had at least one experience were either we ourselves, a loved, or friend has received “bad news”. There is a sudden sense of powerlessness that occurs with bad or even vague news. The internet can for some, provide an immediate sense of control over the unknown. In the past people had limited and different resources.  Maybe they would call up a friends or family member that was a doctor to see if they knew anyone who had been in the same situation.  Some people went to the library. To get the the library took time, gas, and a card.  I remember when the library closest to me began to stay open a little bit later than five pm  so that parents could bring their children after work. This was a big deal in my community. As patients become empowered through the information they are able to find and share on the internet, the future of health care is truly challenged to change.

 A large population conduct research on the internet for answers to all questions, including all types of healthcare questions. . By the stroke of a keyboard from home or library, people are empowered by the searching alone.

 A recent news article discusses how a woman who received bad news from her obstetrician, found information on a very rare condition of which her unborn child was diagnosed. The  woman felt that she had no other choice to but  become as informed as she possible about the condition.  So, she went to the most available, easily accessed and comprehensive place to research the possibilities. The Internet.

Her Blogging now offers solace to others under similar circumstance. 

The woman not only researched she created a  blogg her families journey through a very difficult birth, NICU stay and long term outcome. The internet has become a part of some patients journey through health and disease. The attraction lies in the  immediate access to information, and the ability to vent as well as the hope that someone else might benefit from knowledge of what to expect by reading about ones  misfortune

The news article about this woman is listed here for you.

Body & Mind – HEALTH After Grim Diagnosis, Parents Turn to Internet, Social Networks By CNS News  Published November 04, 2011

In the article, Dr. Gunther-Eyesenbach's statement, "Now we have social networking tools that allow people to connect with each other for emotional and informational support," said Dr. Gunther  Eysenbach, of the Centre for Global eHealth Innovation. "For the patient, it is greatly empowering." supports the belief that the ultimate intention of this phenomenon we call " connectivity" is that of good. However it is not without its challenges  .

Now days, individuals can rate their doctors, hospitals and health care products on line. As patients become more educated and collectively opinionated, through the use of reputable search engines, social networking and rating sites,   the future of health care is truly challenged to become more standardized as well as patient centric.In my opinion in this statement from the white paper:  in the  JAMIA 2006 13: 121-126 , by Paul C Tang, Joan S Ash, David W Bates, et al.Barriers to Adoption Benefits, and Strategies for Overcoming Personal Health Records: Definitions……. page 125:  

“ It is possible that PHRs will threaten the control, autonomy, and authority of some health care providers, based on traditional provider–patient roles. Providers and patients will need to develop different mindsets and levels of trust.”
One could substitute the word “internet” in place of PHRs. 

     Part of the benefits of connectivity is the growing expectation that patients should be able to email their doctors to exchange information as well as ask any type  of healthcare questions.

      The question,   When does a health care provider, “ know” something,  and therefore become responsible for that information?  Will perhaps in the future have the answer:  " as soon as patient learns from his whether by email or in per from his patient that learned from  the internet".