Via Express.co.uk:
A new system of “virtual clinics” is being planned in which GPs connect with patients via iPads and Skype, an idea that NHS bosses are importing from India.
The reforms would save £2.9billion “almost immediately” and improve the lives of most patients, for example by avoiding the need to find child care during appointments, Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said last week.
However, critics are concerned the initiative would create a two-tier NHS in which the less technologically able, particularly the elderly, would be left behind.
End of the doctor's surgery | UK News | Express.co.uk - Home of the Daily and Sunday Express
Points:
- “…arming community nurses with iPads in rural areas.”
- “…making more use of Skype video calling between GPs and patients.”
- “…more online assessments “augmented” with video calls.”
- “Mobile phone ‘apps’ will be used to access lab reports and health records and negative test results will be sent by text messages rather than delivered in person.”
- “Patients would be encouraged not to attend GPs’ surgeries, firstly by telephone assessments and then by video links.”
Ponder:
- “…not everyone, particularly frail older people, will have easy access to the internet.”
- “Many people of all ages still prefer human contact.”
- Need to give “the medical professional the chance to recognise health issues that may not be obvious from a distance.”
- “Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: ‘The telehealth agenda must be driven by a desire to improve clinical outcomes and patient care, not the Government’s plans to save £20billion.’”
