Here is another update on the evolving role of our our nation's two big software powerhouses in the healthcare arena.
"By combining better Internet search tools, the vast resources of the Web and online personal health records, both companies are betting they can enable people to make smarter choices about their health habits and medical care."
Hmmm. Enabling people to make smarter choices about healthcare sounds like a good thing. Now, how do we figure out, as a medical community, what those smarter choices really are? One of the biggest barriers these types of efforts will face is being able to assess performance and outcomes from various health practices and medical care. Is physical therapy superior to surgery for back pain? In what cases is this so? Is all physical therapy the same, or does it vary widely, preventing an across the board recommendation as to its effectiveness?
Well, I know the answers, but how does Google or Microsoft know the answer?
Labels: Evidence and Technology
Here is another update on the evolving role of our our nation's two big software powerhouses in the healthcare arena.
"By combining better Internet search tools, the vast resources of the Web and online personal health records, both companies are betting they can enable people to make smarter choices about their health habits and medical care."
Hmmm. Enabling people to make smarter choices about healthcare sounds like a good thing. Now, how do we figure out, as a medical community, what those smarter choices really are? One of the biggest barriers these types of efforts will face is being able to assess performance and outcomes from various health practices and medical care. Is physical therapy superior to surgery for back pain? In what cases is this so? Is all physical therapy the same, or does it vary widely, preventing an across the board recommendation as to its effectiveness?
Well, I know the answers, but how does Google or Microsoft know the answer?
Labels: Evidence and Technology