The increasing use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in healthcare has certainly revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered as Susan Cooley explains in her TEDx TWU video in 2016. However, the question of whether the EMR has become more important than the living, breathing patient is a valid one. The EMR has certainly made the management of patient information easier and more efficient, but it should not be at the expense of the patient’s experience (TEDx Talks, 2016). The patient should always feel seen and heard, and their needs and concerns should be at the forefront of any healthcare interaction.
To make the patient feel seen and heard, healthcare providers must balance their use of technology with personal attention. This means taking the time to listen to the patient, address their concerns, and explain any medical procedures or treatments in a way that the patient can understand. Providers should also make an effort to involve the patient in the decision-making process and ensure that they feel comfortable and informed.
Regarding telepresence robots in healthcare, there are certainly ethical considerations that must be taken into account. The use of telepresence robots in healthcare raises questions about privacy, data security, and the human touch that is often necessary in healthcare interactions (Becker, 2019). There is also the potential for these robots to be used in ways that are unethical, such as using them to diagnose or treat patients without proper oversight.
To address these ethical issues, it is important to establish clear guidelines for the use of telepresence robots in healthcare. These guidelines should address issues such as patient privacy, data security, and appropriate use. Additionally, telepresence robots should only be used in accordance with best practices and under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
In conclusion, the increasing use of technology in healthcare, including the use of EMRs and telepresence robots, has the potential to greatly improve the delivery of care. However, it is important to balance the use of technology with personal attention to the patient, and to take into account the ethical considerations surrounding the use of these technologies. By doing so, we can ensure that patients feel seen, heard, and valued in the delivery of their healthcare.
References
TEDx Talks. (2016). In the age of machines, bedside manner matters more than ever | Susan Cooley | TEDxTWU [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Becker, R. (2019). Why hospitals shouldn’t use telepresence robots to deliver devastating news [Video]. The Verge. Web.