As today's baby boomer physicians
prepare to retire, a whole new generation of physicians with
different workplace expectations, communication methods, and
practice styles will be taking their place. These newcomers
will be faced with enormous challenges, as their modest
numbers must take on a growing population of patients who are
living longer with more complex chronic diseases.
But according to internationally known writer, public speaker,
and health care futurist Jeff Goldsmith, PhD, hospitals can
play an important role in facilitating a smooth generational
transition by playing to the strengths of caregivers raised
on video games, cell phones, and the Internet. To many of
these physicians, a hospital with advanced information
technologies may be far more attractive than the paper-based
alternative.
"Most younger physicians have literally grown up with
advanced technologies, so they are already accustomed to
using them extensively in their work and daily living,"
says Dr. Goldsmith, who is also the president of Health Futures, Inc. "Because they are able to
network effortlessly and use technology in a way the previous
generation of doctors never imagined, it's crucial for us to
make sure they have these tools in their day-to-day
practice—so they can put their skills to good use in
serving patients."
The
Time to Prepare is Now
Rather than wait for any forthcoming health care reform by
the government, Dr. Goldsmith recommends hospitals begin
addressing generational change issues as soon as possible, by
developing a new operational model which includes I.T. as a
major component. "Nearly 38% of the physicians who
practice in the U.S. are over 55, which means that a
significant number of these doctors will not be around in ten
years' time," he says. "Therefore, it's important
to address this work force transition now, since there will
be fewer physicians and more patients in the very near future."
By functioning as a control panel for managing patients, I.T.
will be essential for future generations of
clinicians—bringing together information from both
within and outside of the hospital's walls, says Dr.
Goldsmith. "Information technology will connect outside
clinics with hospital-based physicians no matter where they
are located," he adds. "It will also allow
physicians to manage large numbers of patients whether or not
they are actually seeing them in person. This will be a very
important capability in the years to come."
Hospitals should also start looking ahead beyond simply
digitizing paper charts, and do more to keep physicians
connected across the continuum. "Creating on-line
communities and collaborating with other specialists
electronically will provide new opportunities for physicians
to better manage and improve the quality of patient care,"
Dr. Goldsmith explains. "Virtual communities are
incredibly valuable tools and physicians are already taking
advantage of the many benefits."
A
Bright Future with Remote Technologies
In addition, Dr. Goldsmith believes that remote clinical
management applications will help many of this new generation
to manage their daunting workloads and deliver more
convenient, consumer-oriented care.
"With the help of on-line technologies, we are able to
manage intensive care patients as well as track the progress
of breast cancer or diabetes patients," says Dr.
Goldsmith. "I.T. is a tool for encouraging connection,
and I'm optimistic this new generation of physicians will
help us transform health care."
For more
information about how our customers are using on-line
technologies today, click on the graphic to your right.
About Dr. Jeff Goldsmith
Dr. Jeff Goldsmith is America's premier health care futurist
who founded Health Futures, Inc. in 1982, a firm specializing
in corporate strategic planning and forecasting future health
care trends. An internationally-known writer and public
speaker, he continues to write articles and to deliver
lectures in the following topic areas: The Fate of the Baby
Boomers; Can We Afford Our Health System?; The Consumer
Revolution in Healthcare; The Future of Consumer Directed
Health Plans and Digital Medicine; and The Future of
Information Technology in Healthcare.
Dr. Goldsmith's published books are available for free
downloading on the Health Futures Web site:
Medicare:
The Mount Everest of Entitlements
Digital
Medicine
MEDITECH
Medical
Information Technology, Inc.
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