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How does technology negatively affect your medical care?
Has technology been frustrating, perhaps even hindering your medical care, and if so, how?
Many doctor’s offices now require patients to approach kiosks upon arrival to check in, pay medical bills, and complete forms or questionnaires. A patient portal is a secure website where patients are encouraged to access and manage their personal health information such as appointment summaries and reminders, test results, and treatments. Automated phone systems will help you refill prescriptions without speaking to a pharmacist.
This sounds wonderful if you are technologically inclined but if you aren’t, modern devices can make patients feel nervous, self-conscious, and limited. This is often a struggle for senior citizens like my parents, who might not have personal email addresses or knowledge and access to the internet.
Have you ever taken technology classes for seniors? What other solutions might help patients navigate modern technology?
If Colleen Steele may name and quote you in a column on this topic, please include your consent and year of diagnosis within your comment. Thank you in advance.
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5 Replies
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@Colleen , this is another exciting topic. I like to consider myself somewhat tech-savvy. However, I have noticed that over the years, as technology has crept into more labs and doctor offices, many others have complained that they cannot do the online charts.
I’ve also helped seniors at the local lab I used to frequent so frequently in Texas. They were confused when greeted by a kiosk to sign in instead of a person at the front desk.
Technology has pros and cons when managing a rare disease like PH.
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@jen-cueva same, Cullen and I have watched many seniors struggle at the kiosks. I hope other members will jump in and share either their own medical related technology struggles or ones they have witnessed others have.
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Hi @Colleen , yes, just on Friday, I helped another lady, who barely spoke English to sign in at the lab. The poor lady was struggling and two men around her didn’t even try to help her. I went over and asked if she needed help. She looked at me, smiled, and moved back so I could show her. We got her all signed in and she had the biggest smile when she was called in to have her blood drawn.
it’s the simple acts of kindness.
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@jen-cueva may I ask, was she a senior citizen? I hadn’t considered how a kiosk could also make things more complicated for non-English speaking parents. Not only is technology a struggle but finding someone willing able to help them must be too! I will be sharing this in my column with your permission. Thank you!
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Hi @Colleen , this lady wasn’t a senior citizen. But if she were, that would probably only add to her confusion. Poor lady; I felt so bad for her. Yes, certainly feel free to share this in your column.
It’s sad how many people walk by others who are obviously struggling in public and never offer a hand. It often seems that the kindness of strangers is long gone. However, I am continuously reminded how we still have those kind folks around. 🤗
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