Its amazing what one uncovers when they begin to dig. In yesterday’s post I was researching to see whether I could find tech and health merge together in the hopes of becoming embedded in our everyday. So I continued to do a little more digging and what I found was amazing. So, as our government tries to figure out how to create/implement e-health records, countries like Spain have embraced smart phone technology to help diabetics and their clinical educators manage their condition remotely. Readings are taken, then transmitted via cellphone to a clinical educator who analyzes the client’s results and makes recommendations as needed via phone. Here is a short 3 minute clip worth watching that gives some great info on what I’m describing.
There is value in this because this process can save the client time in not only in the collection of data for a later visit with the practitioner, but also it could allow the practitioner time to focus on other critical issues. It’s a good example of how to manage your health collaboratively with your health practitioner. You get a more personalized partnership with your doctor that you couldn’t do without technology.
I also came upon Voxia. They provide services such as a smoking cessation, maternal health, diabetes treatment adherence, flu and HIV/Aids programs that help people manage their health using technology. This is helping people stay healthy and at the same time decreasing healthcare costs. This program does not appear to be available at this time in Canada and it makes me wonder “Why not?” It is fascinating to see how technology can be threaded into your day to keep you thinking about your health and well being.
Lastly, TED just recently released the following video, this is what will make the “stethoscope obsolete”. I’ve added the video below for you to watch. Imagine being able to use your smart phone to monitor your fetal heart rate or contractions, continuous monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, vital signs, signs of heart failure, sleep patterns… this is what’s coming!
