Bad memories...

One of my cheerful patients on Friday was just off on holiday to Morzine in France, for a family snowboarding trip. All excitement and a precautionary 'check-up' for snuffly offspring before departing.

I remarked that the same location marked my last ever skiing trip location 4 years ago, a fall seriously fracturing my leg, and a painful ten month rehabilitation period before returning to work. Perhaps the 'health promotion' message to take care and wear a helmet will sink in!

But last night for me marked again by unpleasant dreams re-living the event, asking myself 'what if'... to change the outcome.

I have not yet been faced by patients who have experienced harm, of even just mentioned uncomfortable reminders of past events and experiences after reviewing past records and events - but it will happen sometime.

Not a reason to ban the prospect of retrospective access in my eyes, but important to have human sensitivity in dealing with the lingering consequences of past event for our patients.

Peter S

Mobile Apps.....

I go away on holiday for a week, and come back to a 'storm' of news and innovation!

Several companies announced innovations that are increasingly focused on patient interaction and convenience, combined with an increasing focus on what a patient may want and need.

My own system supplier has quietly announced the launch of an 'App' available for android and apple devices allowing booking of appointment, repeat medication requesting and secure communication.

I have tested this out on a 'dummy' record, and it looks like a promising start.

So yet again, exciting times ahead as we see what the market can offer to invigorate and open up opportunity. I very much hope that the direction of development will be towards functionality that enables patients and families to access, understand and use information to make healthy and safe choices with confidence. Like most colleagues in Primary Care, the relentless 'shift' away from Secondary Care without any resource re-allocation is pushing us close to breaking point, and technology on its own is only part of the solution...

Appy Easter

Peter S.