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Better Use of Technology
Information technology can make a huge difference to the way remote and rural healthcare is provided. Indeed, email, the internet and other modern means of communication are essential in good quality care. Known as 'e-health', this technology should be an integral part of all remote and rural healthcare. For example:
- some patient conditions can be monitored in the home using remote technology. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis for example, patients can use voicemail to report their reactions to medications rather than visit hospital. If necessary, a follow-up visit can be planned over the phone.
- advice to patients can be provided from a distance by email or telephone
- videoconferencing means that a patient can consult a specialist from a local GP practice, RGH or, in some circumstances, the patient's home
- the results of diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, ultrasounds and ECGs can be analysed by a specialist in a different location.
At the moment, although this technology exists, it is not widely used or always available. For instance, some remote and rural practitioners still rely on dial-up modems to access the internet, rather than faster broadband connections, whilst NHS Boards often use different technology systems, which means that sharing information between them can be difficult.
A new, robust infrastructure needs to be developed so that the quality of e-health is the same across Scotland. People in remote and rural communities should expect nothing less than first-class information technology systems designed to improve communication and reduce their need to travel.
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