We know that patients are eventually going to be the ultimate decision makers for health care. There already are websites that let us rate our physicians. We have been promised information (clear and concise) about the quality of our hospitals.
We have heard (over and over) about health care information systems. But, who really owns that data? Try getting your data from your doctor- we might as well be dentists pulling teeth. We need to own our own health information; it should no longer be the property of our physician or the institution. This is the debate that has begun now that our health care records are being digitized- and, therefore, easier for all of us to see and maintain.
It is not atypical now for even middle-class patients to travel to far-off lands for surgery. Eventually, this will lead to the development of international health care standards, so that patients can make informed decisions wherever they are.
Given the fact that health data is being digitized, we will also be able to discern anonymous healthcare trends. Such a system will be able to discern long term prognoses for various treatment modalities. And, that is exactly upon what IBM is betting.
IBM plans to introduce Watson (actually many, many clones of Watson)- the computer that won at Jeopardy- to the healthcare arena. Its rapid and complete analysis of various trends, case histories, and therapies will let it develop links and produce “best choices” for patients.
Could you imagine the impact of a Watson in the emergency room? Perfect diagnostic expertise, with no chance for sleep-deprivation clouding its choices, ready and waiting. Factor that with the predicted shortage of some 150,000 family practitioners- with most of them missing in rural regions.
What a long, strange trip we see…
I love the idea of Watson – wish he was available now. It’d be interesting to see who make more errors… Watson or humans. Thanks for the post, Roy!
As I said to PeggyLee, this is about to take place now. Wellpoint just inked the deal with IBM. They own clinics, hospitals, and insurance!
Roy
Well, my dear Watson…. having watched the Jeopardy challenge, there may be flaws to having a computer with that strength in the operating room. But I don’t believe that scenario will occur in my lifetime. However, as always, you provide good food for thought. Thank you!
Actually, PeggyLee, unless you plan to depart very soon (no, no, please don’t), then you will be in for [an un?]pleasant surprise…Wellpoint has already contracted with IBM. This will be part and parcel of the intake and insurance management system. rumors afloat that one hospital will be using it soon for “second guessing” doctors.
Roy
I think a computer like Watson would an incredible tool for health providers. I just would hope that we also recognize the value in the humanity of our doctors. If you have ever been treated badly or really well by a doctor you know what I mean. There is also something to the insticts a good doctor has from experience that a computer simply cannot have. I’d for one would not like my health left to a computer program, imagine the whole new concept in computer virus!
I think the goal is to have Watson be the tool, so the doctors can cater to their patients, Bonnie. If it is good enough (and certainly is fast enough), it will afford the physicians time to deal WITH their patients and not as an assembly line operation to satisfy the financial objectives of the insurers.
Roy
You know, I remember being thoroughly surprised when I had to pay my old doctor to transfer my records to a new doctor. It seems like common sense that we should have ownership over our own records. Being a global citizen, I know that I’ve had to explain my medical history to doctors in different parts of the world and how can I possibly get it right off of memory. When I couldn’t remember what antibiotics I was allergic to, I had to suffer a severe allergic reaction from a medication I took here. =( In any case, Watson sounds like a super cool idea! =) Love the benefits to the world too!
Samantha:
I always found that practice repulsive. I would pay- and then sue the doctor for his fees, since I already PAID for those records- and they were mine. He was just the custodian. You should have heard the first doc’s response to my lawsuit!
Hint: Save your data in a system you can own. Allergy information is especially critical- because it may be needed when you travel and your “normal” records are not available. Give 1 person permission to access them- so you won’t be on the short end of the stick.
Roy