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ICT in Medicine

ICT in Medicine. ICT in Medicine. MEDICINE. + ICT. = “TELEMEDICINE”. Patient Records. One obvious use of ICT in medicine is the introduction of databases to store patient records. Currently moves are being made to transfer all paper records over to a £12bn NHS database

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ICT in Medicine

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  1. ICT in Medicine

  2. ICT in Medicine MEDICINE + ICT = “TELEMEDICINE”

  3. Patient Records • One obvious use of ICT in medicine is the introduction of databases to store patient records • Currently moves are being made to transfer all paper records over to a £12bn NHS database • Central storage of records • All the benefits of databases!

  4. Patient Records  • Faster access to patient records • Transfer of patient data will be quicker e.g. between GPs and hospitals • Less storage space needed CENTRALISED DATABASE • Data analysis tools e.g. identify patients at risk • Multimedia capabilities e.g. scans, x-rays etc. all available in one record • Doctors writing easier to read!!!

  5. Patient Records  • Security Concerns(insufficient safeguards) • Time/cost of inputting large volumes of data from old paper based records • “Over-reliance” on ICT CENTRALISED DATABASE • Doctor training – it actually takes longer for some doctors to complete electronic records • Who sees the information? Some concern over the content of electronic records

  6. Internet • The Internet is awash with a wide variety of medical “tools” for both professional and layperson • Online diagnosis – expert systems • Medical dictionaries • “Alternative” treatments • Support groups for every imaginable illness

  7. Internet Services  • Patients can make informed choices e.g. alternative treatments • 24/7 access to information • Reduces the burden on hospitals • Reduces the burden on GPs ONLINE SERVICES • Support for patients from other sufferers • Cheaper prescription drugs Note: this is usually illegal • Access to research for professionals

  8. Internet Services  • Reliability of websites? • Inaccurate self-diagnosis • Sale of dangerous so-called “prescription drugs” ONLINE SERVICES • Digital Divide – who has access to Internet services? • Temptation for Govt. to replace “core” services with cheaper web-based provision

  9. Medical Equipment • Lots of equipment used in the field of medicine is dependant on ICT to function effectively • Scanners (e.g. CAT, MRI etc.) use computers to process data • Microprocessors are used in a variety of medical devices • Computer guided lasers in surgery

  10. Medical Research • ICT has changed the way in which medical research is conducted • Modelling the effects of new drugs – reduces the need for vivisection and clinical trials • ICT is used to conduct clinical trials • Collaboration between international teams e.g. Human Genome Project

  11. Equipment/Research  • Better quality of life for the disabled • New types of surgery possible • Collaboration between healthcare professionals • Reduces waiting times in hospitals EQUIPMENT/RESEARCH • Management of clinical trials online • Cost reductions – estimated saving of $200 million and two years on the cost of developing new drugs • Miniaturisation of medical devices

  12. Equipment/Research  • Hardware/software can have flaws and break down • Cost – the capital cost of an MRI scanner is over £1million!!! EQUIPMENT/RESEARCH • “Over-reliance” on ICT • Training – doctors and surgeons need to retrain to use new equipment • Can never replace clinical trials

  13. Expert Systems • A computer system that simulates the knowledge and expertise of a human specialist e.g. a doctor • Some people prefer the anonymity of a “robot doctor” • Can be kept up-to-date and continually added to - acquiring knowledge faster than any human • Some people prefer a “human touch”

  14. Communications 1 • Advances in telecommunications are revolutionising the delivery of out-patient healthcare • Remote diagnosis can be used to diagnose and treat patients remotely • Self monitoring – patients can monitor/treat their own conditions at home without the need for a visit to hospital

  15. Communications 2 • Advances in telecommunications are revolutionising the way health care professionals are able to share information • Wireless transmission provides a vital link between paramedics and hospitals • Videoconferencing can be used by professionals to share expertise with colleagues all over the world

  16. Summary/Revision • Use the your textbook or the Internet to make your OWN notes on developments in ICT in Medicine • Your notes should cover the benefits/drawbacks of increased use of ICT in Medicine

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