An AMA Viewpoints post by AMA President Robert M. Wah, MD.
As physicians, we are well aware of the promises and problems of medical technology. I was fortunate to be able to discuss some of these challenges at a recent meeting of AdvaMed, a trade association for medical technology, representing 80 percent of medical technology firms in the United States. It was the first time a representative from the AMA had ever spoken to this particular group.
As the first AMA physician to meet with these manufacturers of treatments, I knew that testing and technology was the first step toward breaking down the divide that still seems to exist between physicians and industry. In conversation at the event, industry members told me they thought physicians were standoffish when it came to tech, which surprised me.
There shouldn’t be two separate arenas working on innovative technology. Instead, we need clinical and industrial collaboration. Physicians aren’t Luddites—we know the tools and equipment we use today will continue to rapidly evolve, and we’re excited for what the technological future holds. We will always embrace technology that helps us take better care of our patients.
At the same time, as physicians, we will always push back and resist technology that hinders our work. Therefore, we have to be involved in the evolution to ensure we can actually use these developments. Unfortunately, technological evolution often moves without proper feedback. So, with the constructive and collaborative input of the physicians who use the technology, the industry can make larger strides in bringing innovation to health care.
I believe to my core that physicians must take charge to shape and lead the digitization of health care, or the technology won’t be worth using. We must harness technology and not let technology harness us.
This theme echoed throughout the AMA’s State Legislative Strategy Conference earlier this month in New Orleans. We heard from experts in telemedicine who delivered the same message: Collaborate on these innovations now, or potentially struggle with them later. Look for more news on this conference at AMA Wire® in the coming weeks.
We’re already seeing this play out in the evolution of electronic health records (EHR), the No. 1 piece of technology in every physician’s office that holds so much promise but brings so many pitfalls. The AMA identified EHRs’ many pain points last year and, in September, released a framework for EHR usability that focuses on leveraging the potential of EHRs to enhance patient care, improve productivity and reduce administrative costs.
The AMA is using this EHR usability framework to work with physicians, vendors, policymakers, health care systems and researchers to drive EHR improvements that can advance the delivery of high-quality, affordable care. We know many of the problems with using the systems are rooted in the way the government says they must be certified for the meaningful use program and we are tackling those concerns as well. We’re taking steps to break down existing barriers and make the future of health care a true collaboration.
Share your thoughts: Besides EHRs, what other medical technology would you improve, and why? Tell me on Twitter, at the AMA’s Facebook page or in a comment below.
