Her talk was certainly not an attack on all the good technology already out there. She mentioned several examples of technological developments in her own field (radiotherapy) to enable increasingly targeted radiation. Speijer: “These developments are coming at us like a tsunami, overtaking each other left and right. The number of apps you can install and uninstall on your smartphone is enormous. But technology that supports the patient and his/her supporters and professionals throughout the healthcare chain in interpreting and communicating about the patients’ health situation is lacking. As is the use of his/her data for this purpose,” said the inspired CatalyzIT entrepreneur.
No issue
During her highly interactive presentation, Speijer made a warm plea for the abolition of repeatedly asking patients for permission to use their data. Speijer: ‘In a relationship of trust, the basis of cooperation and contact between patient and doctor, this is not an issue. There must be 100% certainty that those involved (designated by the treating physician and patient together) use the data primarily for profit of the patient’s health.’
Digital support
‘Anno 2023, a general practitioner will still receive (physical) letters after completing treatments. In the most ideal situation, patients will find these in their patient portal. And often the treating physician must also request information from other specialties to get a complete picture.
A different digital form of communication, for example via a “chat room” in which data is directly turned into added value, can offer a solution here. This is an approachable and simple way of communicating, facilitated by technology, that can not only enhance communication between patients and their teams, but also enable healthcare professionals to use their expertise in the best possible way. Thus, connective digital communication can be the ultimate complement to the physical consultation. The digital encounters or alignments with all relevant parties at the right time also reduce the number of checkups and protocol encounters, thus relieving both the patient and the healthcare professional.
Complete picture
It is essential that all relevant parties: the patient and the team around the patient, are involved and can interpret and share information and expertise with each other, so that a shared and complete view of the health situation emerges. In addition to sharing a new finding, result or treatment step, it is also possible (and especially logical) to inquire how the patient is doing and if there are any questions. This is hugely important, as I experience in my practice that the sooner a patient has a grip on their health situation and feels supported by their practitioners, the better the health outcome.
Strengthen
CatalyzIT is currently working with several parties on connective technology. The healthcare company also lectures and provides training in various areas from technology to mindset, all aimed at strengthening the connection between doctor and patient. If you are interested, please contact us.
