The system is being introduced gradually, however. First-year medical students are learning to submit a query and receive data. In their second year, they will learn to use the CDR to solve classroom problems. In year three, they will be taught to use the CDR in clinical care with patients, and fourth-year students will use it to compile research. For example, they may be assigned to find the number of diagnoses at U.Va.
People are afraid computers are going to push doctors and patients apart.
But information technology is more likely to bring people together. More patients are looking up medical information on the Internet, and coming to their doctors with better informed questions. They can have a more informed discussion about treatment options and likely outcomes. This can improve the quality of care.