I was reading this interview with an MIT scientist who developed a machine learning tool to assess pain. At the end of the interview he remarked in a reassuring tone that his technology will not replace doctors. More and more we are apologizing for technology. I am seeing this more frequently in the context of medical technology. Developers are quick to to reassure ... Continue Reading about Apologizing for Technology
Ionic – Fitbit’s Expensive Step Counter
Building on their long line of increasingly amped-up step counters, Fitbit announced the release of its latest product, the Ionic. Coming in at $300, the Fitbit Ionic brings all the usual suspects when it comes to smart watch features: 4 days of battery life, GPS, music, mobile payment, and a small handful of ‘apps.’ The Ionic releases with a dormant sPO2 meter which ... Continue Reading about Ionic – Fitbit’s Expensive Step Counter
Physician Access and Time Creep
With the birth of Twitter some years ago physician activist Wes Fisher first described time creep (I'll add the link or the Tweet if someone can find it). That's the evolving ability to be reached that comes with new communication platforms. Time creep impacts everyone according to Jennifer Close in the New York Times: The new normal in work culture is for everyone ... Continue Reading about Physician Access and Time Creep
Aetna’s Free Apple Watch
Chrissy Farr at CNBC broke news about clandestine discussions between Apple and Aetna over free watches for all (Aetna customers). The insurer, which covers 23 million, offers an Apple Watch to its 50,000 employees as part of its corporate wellness program. Now, Aetna is negotiating with Apple on a plan to offer a free or discounted Apple Watch, Apple's wearable ... Continue Reading about Aetna’s Free Apple Watch
EHR and the Failure to Communicate
I once had a clinic nurse who wouldn’t talk to me. First a little history. Clinical workflow in my early career included the ritual of phone messages. Every day, at least once and usually in the afternoon, I would sit with my clinic nurse and a pile of manilla folders to discuss phone calls. Details were discussed, recommendations were made, triage assessments ... Continue Reading about EHR and the Failure to Communicate
Fax Machines: Why Doctors Use Them
Yesterday Twitter carried a query from a Vox journalist about doctors and fax machines. Why do we use them? The response by the health infosphere was predictable: Why can't doctors just get with the program? And why are they so behind the times? It's not that complicated. And it's not because we don't read Wired. Just the fax EHRs don't talk to one another. We ... Continue Reading about Fax Machines: Why Doctors Use Them