Newspapers Examine Emerging Telemedicine Technology
New York Times: The Times on Wednesday profiled slp3d, a company that broadcasts live surgical operations over the Internet. Slp3d originated as an educational tool for high-level surgeons to lecture doctors in the same specialty, but prospective patients frequently watch the broadcasts to select procedures or choose a surgeon. Slp3d features complex operations such as heart valve replacements and organ transplants and also exhibits new medical devices. According to the Times, the webcasts typically are procedures that are "relatively new but less daring than those seen at medical conferences." Though procedures typically focus on life-threatening conditions, the site also has featured procedures for torn rotator cuffs, degenerated knees, varicose veins and excess folds of skin left after gastric bypass surgery. Doctors who log on to the site can take an online quiz at the end of a procedure to receive continuing education credits. Slp3d charges hospitals $35,000 to $40,000 to create the webcasts, which they "are willing to pay if they think doctors will refer patients to them as a result," the Times reports (Feder, New York Times, 7/6).
Washington Post: The Post on Wednesday examined the use of video robots and looked at how "[f]ace-to-face encounters between doctors and patients are increasingly giving way to technology." According to the Post, more doctors are using robots to make rounds, monitor intensive care units, respond to emergency calls and consult with other physicians. Surgeons also are using robotic technology to perform precise procedures. Other machines help ferry supplies and equipment and dispense medication in hospitals. Some physicians use e-mail to respond to patients, and some psychiatrists conduct therapy sessions using video teleconferencing. Proponents of telemedicine say the technology helps doctors use their time more efficiently and see more patients at odd hours or in rural areas. However, those who oppose the trend say the technology is contributing to the depersonalization of health care and takes time away from patient visits (Stein, Washington Post, 7/6).
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Ziare Examinaþi Instalarea Telemedicina Tehnologie - Newspapers Examine Emerging Telemedicine Technology - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate