Papel de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la medicina actual

Abstract

In the last few years there has been has been an explosion in information and communication technologies (ICT) both worldwide and in the health sector, mainly due to access to personal computers and internet expansion, which has facilitated access among health professionals and the public (whether patients, users, or citizens) to increasing information and communication on health. The spectrum of ICT is extremely wide and, in the last few years, has included electronic health (e-Health), defined as the set of techniques and devices used for treatment and the transmission of health information. Within e-Health, new fields are expanding, such as the electronic medical record and telemedicine.

Digital medicine has transformed the traditional medical record into the electronic medical record and has shifted ways of gaining medical knowledge to searches of literature databases and new knowledge management tools, such as clinical practice guidelines or systematic reviews. Moreover, health organizations require computerization of their support processes, which has transformed these organizations. Telemedicine represents another revolutionary change by allowing off-site diagnosis and treatment, as well as education and continuing medical training (e-learning).

Health professionals currently play an essential role in educating patients in the appropriate use of internet health resources. The doctor-patient relationship has become a «triadic» one, in which the computer plays an increasingly important role. ICT tend to improve patient safety but paradoxically also pose certain risks. In the next decade, there will be an unprecedented increase in health information, which will require enhanced measures to reduce the possible risks. These measures include the adoption of common standards, the development of better information systems, and greater training of users of the new ICT. Health professionals should be able to meet the challenge posed by this transformation.