Self-Service Health Care
Perched by a computer monitor wedged between shelves of cough drops and the pharmacy in a bustling Wal-Mart, Mohamed Khader taps out answers to questions such as how often he eats vegetables, whether anyone in his family has diabetes and his age.
He tests his eyesight, weighs himself and checks his blood pressure as a middle-aged couple watches at the blue-and-white SoloHealth station … slated to be in 2,500 Wal-Marts and Sam’s Clubs next month…
Today, SoloHealth’s kiosks, which are not connected to a live physician, allow consumers not just to test their eyesight and learn if they are obese, but to get information on diet, vitamins and pain management. A “find a doctor” function can direct users to nearby doctors, although the one in Sterling listed only “optical doctors” — and those appeared mainly to be Wal-Mart-affiliated.
Obviously the danger here is people using the self-service Kiosk in place of real medical care. But I think this is a great way to get people thinking about a healthy lifetstyle. And what better place to start than Wal-Mart!
This is very interesting!
This technology is improving and — conceivably — at some point in the future replace many physician visits. The trouble is: patients have no way to access medications and treatments in the event they find something. Were a patient to present to a doctor’s office with a lab report showing they have high cholesterol or hypertension, the odds are their doctor would demand new tests be performed. The technology exists to engage more patients in managing their own medical conditions. The reason this is not more widespread is because third-party payment does not really see a need for it at this point.
This concept could be managed effectively if the machine is partnered with doctors and would think that with time most doctors would take interest in partnering with these machines. This way, assuming the technology is top-notch; doctors can feel safe to prescribe whatever medication may be necessary, unless they feel there may be more to it than what the machine-diagnosis detected.
I like the self diagnosing aspect!
What do you mean by Wal-Mart affiliated doctors? They’re rolling back prices?
Aren’t we worried that these machines are free ammunition to hypochondriacs?
The health station is a great idea. When it comes to checking blood pressure, weight, and eyesight it will be an asset to managing those elements. As long as it gives accurate results and recommendations. For prescriptions and head to toe assessments, a face to face office visit will be required in my opinion to get adequate health care. Having the availability for patients to have access to patient education will have a neverending positive effect on health care access. I definitely do not think it should take place of health care professionals, just a sort of check up that do not require an office visit.
While this new implementation into our health care system may have its “eye- catching” benefits to consumers, as a health care provider I believe the cons outweigh them. Technology is one of the greatest inventions but it has also hindered us as a people and this new self health care kiosk being available to the public readily is no different. As a nurse, I do not agree with this new innovation. I do not find it as reliable or resourceful as it would be going to see a live physician. It has a potential of being a danger and very risky, including presenting false information to the public as well as not disclosing private information that may be asked of the consumer. Although it may be reliable for screenings such as risks for being hypertensive or diabetic, but to ask questions about family medical history and to somewhat diagnose is not safe or trustworthy. It replaces a real physician’s opinion and may leave the consumer confused and questionable with no detailed explanation. The nutrition and medication facts that the kiosk presents may not be valuable enough for the consumer to sustain a healthy lifestyle, medical attention may need to sought right away to prevent something life threatening. People who are uninsured or underinsured may rely and trust on kiosks such as these to inform or update on medical problems. The results from these kiosks should definitely be followed up during physician visits, and not be used frequently as a primary source of healthcare.
This is the next wave in health care. Empowering patient to take more ownership over the management of their care on a daily basis is crucial! We don’t need to wait on a doctor for us to start taking care of ourselves!
Apparently Health Informatics is becoming a big field, and finally! The health care industry has been slow to adopt IT and realize on productivity gains.