amanda_tommy asked:


How have computers have changed the ways doctors treat patients?

I have to write an 8 page report, 2000 - 2500 words, and it’s due this tuesday. Help me!

PETE

2 Responses to “How have computers changed the ways doctors treat patients?”

1. Geaux LSU Tigers!!! on December 17th, 2009 10:37 pm

   You have some research to do to write that long of a paper! Look up things like electronic medical records and such. Some docs even use little pc’s to double check medicine dosing and uses, and to answer or get validation for simple checks or questions.

2. Dr. K on December 20th, 2009 10:32 pm

   8 page report? Goodness. Hopefully some of the more computer savy docs can help.

   Here’s 1-2 pages. Find the statistics on number of deaths due to medical errors per year. Find statistics on number of errors reduced due to electronic record keeping. Find statistics on reduced errors due to electronic prescriptions.

   That’s all I could think of for a research paper. I can tell you how it changed my practice, perhaps that can give you an idea.

   Instead of relying on hardcopy references, retrieving reference material on computer is faster. Online databases are also up to date with latest information. Accessing online journals or pubmed for research articles can help shed light on possible new therapies to try.

   Imaging films can be sent in a blink of an eye. It’s very convenient unlike relying on a radiologist report by fax and interpreting the data while waiting for the films to come in.

   We can print out literature on diseases that help further explain their condition with pictures and diagrams, answer many of the patient’s questions, give them a list of what to do and not.

   I haven’t digitized my practice with those electronic record things, but it would simplify patient data entry, retrieving the files, and especially storage keeping. Some patient files have volumes like an encyclopedia. I’ve seen demonstrations where softwares give drug interaction warnings. And it’s easier to keep track of what medications the patient has taken in the past and current. What worked, and what didn’t.

   That’s all I could think of. Hope it helps.