Medical Technology, which is a proper subset of health technology, encompasses a wide range of healthcare products and is used to diagnose, monitor or treat diseases or medical conditions affecting humans. Such technologies (applications of medical science) are intended to improve the quality of healthcare delivered through earlier diagnosis, less invasive treatment options and reductions in hospital stays and rehabilitation times. Recent advances in medical technology have also focused on cost reduction. Medical technology may broadly include medical devices, information technology, biotech, and healthcare services. (Wikipedia)

We recently talked to Dr Jim Nuovo, Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at the University of California, and Editor in Chief of Libertas’ own journal, Health Services Insights. Dr Nuovo shared his thoughts on the ever evolving field of medical technology, and predictions for future developments.

How is technology revolutionising health care?

There are several areas where technology is making its impact.  First, implementation of the EHR has had a major impact on how care is delivered; unfortunately, from my experience, the value of an EHR has yet to be realized.  The opportunity to use the EHR as a tool for quality improvement, patient safety, chronic disease management, and population management, has been derailed by the numerous barriers in getting useful, accurate data from the EHR.  For the studies I've published using the EHR as a database, it took extraordinary effort to obtain this data.  We need the EHR systems to have reliable database development as a priority.  We also need to be certain that the users of the EHR have the skills necessary to make the most of this tool.  In my first study on this subject we found that a substantial percentage of users did not know how to perform some basic tasks; tasks that are associated with patient safety and quality of care.

Advances in imaging technology has played an important role in the assessment of patients; especially, in the primary care setting.  However, the downside has been an increase in findings of questionable clinical value.  The advent of the Choosing Wisely Program is a critical step in developing a better approach to the best use of these new imaging techniques.

Telemedicine has demonstrated great potential in reducing health care disparities; by providing access to specialty care at a distance and in providing wider dissemination of patient education resources.  We were able to show in a study using telemedicine technology a substantial impact on diabetes outcomes through a single 2-hour class, administered via a telemedicine link.

How is healthcare information accessed by patients?

Patients have far more access to healthcare information; unfortunately, the information they receive may be based on direct to consumer advertising and provide biased content.  It is a substantial task to provide guidance as to healthcare information sites that provide balanced information for consumers.

What information can be accessed by patients?

Most patients with access to the web now expect that they have access to all of the relevant information in their medical record including medication lists and laboratory test results.

How has this changed the physician, patient relationship?

There is no question that the physician/patient relationship is in the process of change.  Many patients have become comfortable using messaging systems as a means of communicating important information about their health to their provider.  We'll need rigorous studies done to better understand the impact of this on all relevant patient outcomes.

Do you have any predictions for future developments in this field?

We are likely to see clarification of policies of what constitutes a doctor/patient encounter outside of the office setting.

We hopefully will see rigorous studies assessing the impact of technology on the healthcare to populations.

We hopefully will see the development of useful, accurate disease specific registries to better understand outcomes and to address patient safety and quality of care concerns.

To learn more about Dr Nuovo and his work please visit the UC Davis Health System faculty page. To learn more about the journal Health Services Insights please visit the Libertas Academica website.

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