The ‘Martini’ experience?

I am showing my age by quoting an advert for a ‘well known beverage’ that dates back to the 1970’s and 80’s, but the slogan reflects a change in attitude to information access – ‘any time, any place, anywhere.’

The 20^th century attitude to information challenges assumptions and boundaries, particularly with the experience, ambition and interest of a younger ‘IT wired’ generation – citizens, patients and clinicians. But they are hastening changes across all age groups, the working generations and those in retirement who can utilize technology at their leisure.

The technical innovations are playing a significant part in breaking down the barriers to access information through ‘user friendly’ devices and interfaces.

So how does this ‘information revolution’ challenge the traditional GP medical record use?

Well there is clearly an expectation for relevant medical information to be available to clinicians treating patients – when sadly the NHS and other care organisations have been frustratingly slow in making this happen. But catching up fast is this additional expectation for patients to share, understand and be involved in this process. Indeed, where it has for years proved challenging to efficiently share health records between organisations, individuals and locations, patients having access to records could have a significant impact.

My children are lost without an electrical communication device on them – so it is likely to be through these mobile devices they choose to interact with health professionals and medical records (and parents…).

Computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones – take your pick! Thank you Steve Jobs.

And the technology does work – even if I need glasses and patience on a smartphone – see the picture below.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse have (of course) given permission for their records to be displayed – they are very broad minded and co-operative rodents….