Could iClickCare be a distraction?

On December 14, 2011 Mr. Matt Richtel in the NY Times wrote about electronic devices when placed (forced?) into the hands of medical providers resulted in unintended distractions.

Many, many comments followed. Some fearful, some indignant, but all observing use and misuse of computers and smartphones. A dramatic mention of a neurosurgeon who was involved in a malpractice suit after using a wireless headset during surgery... clearly typifies abuse. It is sad to see colleagues who have much training but little judgment. A humorous advertisement shows the absurdity of such practice.

Any tool can be used for creation or for destruction. The ball-peen hammer is a necessary part of a tool box, and an oft used prop in murder mysteries. The EMR/EHR is cited in the comments. The electronic medical record should be a help, but judging by the comments in Mr Richter’s piece which we agree with, it has become more than a distraction, it has become a liability.

That is ironic since the EMR/EHR was in part designed to “document” in an litiginous environment where appearance trumps reality. Could it be that this misapplication of technology is worsened by a subtle, but well advertised, push to document so billing can be justified (or maybe enhanced)?

We at ClickCare are heavily invested in using technology to make things better for both patient and provider. We also remember the student who is left totally behind by expensive costs of EMR/EHR “seats.”  We are aware of distraction, and we are dismayed by anything that interferes with the provider/patient relationship.

Our design principles follow this rule: that technology be assistive, simple and delightful. So when you see your doctor, your nurse, or yourself pull out an iPhone or stare at a screen and see iClickCare, be confident that you are involved in medical management that is supportive and exciting. Beeps, clicks, fields and page flips are minimized and distraction changes to problem solving.