The computerized medical record will soon be a reality allowing patients freedom to change the location of medical care while giving all care-givers access to necessary medical information. The Internet allows instant access to libraries full of medical information and dialog with experts on tough diagnoses. Video telemedicine brings specialty expertise to primary care providers in remote areas and promotes continuing medical education. Virtual reality is ideal for learning, practicing surgical procedures, and testing the competence of clinical skills. All the above assist medical professionals in delivering care, but the most dramatic benefits of the information age will be for the public.
People are responsible for maintaining their own health through healthy living.
Sensors are being developed which could be part of a wrist watch to monitor an individual s health status. The wrist watch could also immediately administer medication in life-threatening situations. The PMA would have voice recognition and speech synthesis so that it could answer the individual's health questions and coach healthy lifestyles. The patient could use the Internet or videoteleconferencing to confer with medical professionals who would have access to sensor data and a lifelong medical record. The patient could also communicate electronically with support groups.