We live in a world obsessed with the convenience of technology and the unending availability of information. The generation of smart phones has been upgraded once again and I think that this new breakthrough will definitely make a significant impact. Apple has taken the iPhone to the next level by designing an app called Proloquo2go. It uses pictographs to help patients that experience difficulties communicating (ex. those who have suffered a stroke). Medical health apps don’t stop here however. There is Bant, an app targeted towards diabetic teens that tests their blood sugar levels and tells them whether or not they need to increase/decrease their next insulin dose. There is also apps such as Epocrates, Medscape, or Micromedex that offer clinicians to access drug dosing, medical calculators, and clinical guidelines.
With the constant stream of breakthroughs in both the medical and technological world, is anyone concerned that smart phones one day replace doctors? Or would this be a good thing? Dr. James Aw writes that “[these] tools that improve doctor patient communication and empower patients are fantastic. But I’m a little wary of the robo-doc reference programs that are bringing us to a Star Trek-like present. Machines help, but humans think. The most valuable tools for any doctor are education, clinical experience and good old rational human judgment”. What are your thoughts?
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Paging+Smartphone/5672414/story.html
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