Medical informatics: an emerging academic discipline and institutional priority

Article Abstract:

Medical researchers and practitioners are currently called upon to handle an overwhelming amount of information, which is difficult to organize and focus when a particular question needs to be answered. Information processing is an essential part of most tasks performed by health professionals, including writing and reviewing patient charts, reading the research literature, interpreting laboratory results and choosing diagnostic procedures. In response to this modern 'information explosion', new techniques of information processing are being developed; in fact a new academic discipline known as medical informatics is emerging. This specialty will provide information-processing support to clinicians, educators and researchers, freeing them to concentrate on decision-making and other activities most essential to their professional roles. Medical informatics is an interdisciplinary and highly applied field. Some medical institutions are setting up extensive, integrated information systems and services which will transform the communication channels used by their staff. Medical informatics may soon be recognized as a distinct content area or major in medical schools and universities. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Management, Medicine, Services, Telecommunications systems, Communication in science, Scientific communication, Medical protocols, Medical libraries

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On call and online: sociohistorical, legal, and ethical implications of e-mail for the patient-physician relationship

Article Abstract:

Electronic mail (e-mail) can improve communications between physicians and their patients, but significant legal and ethical issues must be considered. As with the advent of the telephone, physicians largely have been reluctant to use e-mail for patient issues and data exchange. The e-mail message must be considered part of the medical record, subject to the considerations of privacy and informed consent. Encryption software can protect the privacy of data in electronic communications, but many physicians simply take care in choosing what they send electronically. E-mail can reduce the time spent addressing patient's questions, and doctors using it have not reported unreasonable mail volume.

Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Electronic mail systems, Email, Ethical aspects

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Electronic communication with patients: evaluation of distance medicine technology

Article Abstract:

Electronic communication with patients appears to result in significant benefits. Researchers reviewed 80 studies that evaluated the use of these communication systems, which included telephone reminders, telephone follow-up and computerized communication. Computerized communication included patient access to computerized information networks via a modem. About half of the studies involved a nurse or non-medical staff person who contacted the patient. In 76% of the cases, the patient was contacted by the health-care provider and in 63% of these studies, this communication improved patient outcome.

Evaluation, Hotlines (Counseling), Telemedicine

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