Healthcare Technology Solutions that Keep Doctors at the Center

As the climate of healthcare changes and the entire system is over-hauled to reduce costs and increase access, the humanity of medicine is at risk. Regulations and new standards, aimed at normalizing care delivery, seems to stifle that which was sacred not too long ago. As we are forced to adapt to keyboards and a glowing screen, we miss the subtleties of a patient’s expression or limp or other non-verbal clues we used to notice before we even shook their hand. Technology in the clinic is not going away. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept that the new way includes staring at a laptop screen, or typing rather than seeing our patients or touching. If the majority of developers of healthcare technology had the end-user in mind, they would have designed a system that worked to improve a physician’s efficiency, accuracy, and stamina – because the job itself is hard enough. Today, it’s not too late to begin with a fresh approach.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” -Hippocrates

Physicians choose medicine because they want to make a difference – they want to make a positive impact in the lives of their patients. So why do they accept technology developed by people who do not share the same values?

At DocbookMD, we have spent years developing ways to ensure that physicians are at the center of our technology. This means that if the technology speaks to the needs of the physician, is easy to adopt, and quickly shows a positive outcome – whether in efficiency or better patient care- they will use it. If the doctor does not adopt, then the product cannot succeed, regardless of how great it might be for patients. Many mobile health products are coming into the market today, and all seem to be focused on patient engagement and EHR compatibility. I would challenge that unless the physician sees the benefit and is willing to engage in that technology, the other two issues will be less relevant. Patients trust their doctors and doctors trust evidence, and distrust virtually everything else. Therefore, it is imperative to innovate with a good understanding of how trust works within these relationships. The healthcare world needs responsible, lasting innovation, so let’s make sure we are asking the right questions from the start.