Blog

Are digital devices depriving healthcare professionals of their much needed sleep?
In its most recent tweet chat and hangout on air, #HealthXPh discussed “Distracted Doctoring“- healthcare professionals and patients getting distracted by digital devices and social media while at work. Whatever the causal factor is, no patient wants a distracted healthcare professional. HCPs do not want a distracted patient either. That was straightforward from last week’s discussions.

But what if, the “distraction” happened outside of the hospital or clinics? What if its effects extend into the healthcare professional’s work? Like lack of sleep?

There are studies showing sleep deprived medical interns and residents committing more serious medical errors. This has led to regulations reducing work hours for interns and residents in the US.

So what about the other factors causing sleep deprivation in healthcare professionals? I am talking about the use of electronic and digital devices that seem to preoccupy some HCPs at night.

Are digital devices like smartphones or tablets depriving HCPs of their much needed sleep?

A number of studies showed a correlation between use of digital device at night and sleep deprivation among children. The latter made headlines that led some to propose banning of digital devices at night for children. One went ballistic opposing the move, pointing out serious flaws in the article.

I am tempted to telescope a conclusion by connecting the dots of these studies. I’m inclined to believe that use of digital devices at night may deprived human beings of their much needed sleep. I also tend to believe that sleep deprived healthcare professionals may commit medical errors in the clinics. Correlation and causality seem so close. Or are they?

Are digital devices really depriving HCPs of their much needed sleep?
- T1: Confess. Are you spending time on digital devices at night before going to bed?
- T2: Define. What is excessive time on digital devices for you?
- T3: Choose. How would you minimize sleep deprivation from digital use at night?
Join #HealthXPh as we tackle sleep deprivation on a timely change of schedule time slot-Saturday Night Live! The tweet chat and Hangout on Air starts to unravel this Saturday May 24, 2014 9:00PM Manila time.

References:

Annual Sleep in America Poll Exploring Connections with Communications Technology Use and Sleep
http://sleepfoundation.org/media-center/press-release/annual-sleep-america-poll-exploring-connections-communications-technology-use-

The Phantom Menace of Sleep-Deprived Doctors

10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/10-reasons-why-handheld-devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218.html

10 Points Where the Research Behind Banning Handheld Devices for Children Is Flawed
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-nielsen/10-reasons-why-the-resear_b_5004413.html

10 Reasons Why We Need Research Literacy, Not Scare Columns
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kleeman/10-reasons-why-we-need-re_b_4940987.html

Social media main cause of sleep deprivation among students
http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/social-media-main-cause-of-sleep-deprivation-among-students-114031300395_1.html

How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?
http://sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need

How artificial light is wrecking your sleep, and what to do about it

How Artificial Light Is Wrecking Your Sleep, and What to Do About It

The impact of light from computer monitors on melatonin levels in college students.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21552190
May 23, 2014
I decided to move out of the house

Mavik Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have… then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter. The creature is wanted for a murder he didn’t commit. David Banner is believed to be dead, and he must let the world think that he is dead, until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.

What would we do baby, without us?

I bet we been together for a million years, And I bet we’ll be together for a million more. Oh, It’s like I started breathing on the night we kissed, and I can’t remember what I ever did before. What would we do baby, without us? What would we do baby, without us? And there ain’t no nothing we can’t love each other through. What would we do baby, without us? Sha la la la.

Here’s the story of a lovely lady

Here’s the story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up three very lovely girls. All of them had hair of gold, like their mother, the youngest one in curls. Here’s the store, of a man named Brady, who was busy with three boys of his own. They were four men, living all together, yet they were all alone. ‘Til the one day when the lady met this fellow. And they knew it was much more than a hunch, that this group would somehow form a family. That’s the way we all became the Brady Bunch, the Brady Bunch. That’s the way we all became the Brady Bunch. The Brady Bunch!

Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? Well it’s you girl, and you should know it. With each glance and every little movement you show it. Love is all around, no need to waste it. You can have a town, why don’t you take it. You’re gonna make it after all. You’re gonna make it after all.

In time of ancient gods, warlords and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power. The passion. The danger. Her courage will change the world.

Being evil has a price. I hear a lot of little secrets. Tell me yours, and I’ll keep it. You oughta know my name by now, better think twice. Being evil has a price. I’ve got a nasty reputation. Not a bit of hesitation, you better think twice. ‘Cause being evil has a price.

Chosen from among all others by the Immortal Elders – Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles

The time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights. It’s time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight! It’s time to put on makeup, it’s time to dress up right. It’s time to raise the curtain on the Muppet Show tonight. Why do we always come here? I guess we’ll never know. It’s like a kind of torture to have to watch the show! And now let’s get things started – why don’t you get things started? It’s time to get things started on the most sensational inspirational celebrational Muppetational… This is what we call the Muppet Show!

Chosen from among all others by the Immortal Elders – Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, Mercury – Billy Batson and his mentor travel the highways and byways of the land on a never-ending mission: to right wrongs, to develop understanding, and to seek justice for all! In time of dire need, young Billy has been granted the power by the Immortals to summon awesome forces at the utterance of a single word – SHAZAM – a word which transforms him in a flash into the mightiest of mortal beings, Captain Marvel!

May 3, 2014
Improving Quality of Care with Quality Time in the Clinics
Two weeks ago, a patient walked into a clinic and asked if he can be accommodated for a consultation. It was for a non emergent complaint but the patient lives in a far flung community that a “reschedule” would be costly for him. There was already a line up of patients scheduled for consults and follow up that afternoon. Some of these patients are also scheduled for a procedure after the clinic hours. Based on this doctor’s regular outpatient clinic load, his staff estimated they might be extending clinic hours that afternoon.

Since the physician have scheduled procedures that afternoon and was already seeing patients beyond estimated “quality time”, what do you think should doctor do without jeopardizing the quality of care rendered in his outpatient clinic? Will he see this patient and shorten up the time intended for the other patients or just extend his clinic hours thereby extending also the waiting time for patients who are decked for procedures?

Share your thoughts as we again “crowdsource” feedback of physicians and patients on “Improving Quality of Care with Quality time at the Clinics” in our tweetchat and HOA tomorrow 10 AM Manila Time (UTC + 8) April 27, 2014 here at #HealthXPh

[su_box title=”QUESTIONS”]
- T1 What factors determine optimal patient consultation time?
- T2 How can patient waiting times at clinic be reduced?
- T3 How can time at the clinic waiting room be better spent? CT: As a patient, what do you think should this doctor do? As a physician, what will you if you are in his position?Why? [/su_box]
Suggested Readings:

Time and the Patient–Physician Relationship
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496869/

Healthcare Clinics in the Philippines
http://www.philippinesplus.com/2012/12/04/healthcare-clinics-in-the-philippines/
April 26, 2014
Top 5 reasons why Filipino physicians (might) embrace social media in healthcare

(SPOILER ALERT: At HealthXPh, we have embraced social media in healthcare 🙂 )

Read about social media “push” in healthcare? HealthXPh has been nitpicking social media and emerging technologies in healthcare since 3 months ago. HealthXPh got the attention of the medical community but most physicians in this country still shun social media in healthcare. Why? There’s a myriad of reasons for this but the evolving digital health environment show telltale signs of social media knocking at the doorsteps of healthcare in the Philippines. Here’s some compelling reasons why the Filipino physician might embrace social media in healthcare.

1. Social media is changing the landscape of physician- patient engagement.

As in any other relationship, a doctor-patient engagement relies heavily on communication. Digital technology is changing how we communicate with each other. Social media is fast becoming a communication highway. I’m sure some patients and physicians have used or is using social media for healthcare purposes. We get health questions via facebook or clinic appointment schedule via chat. A colleague “tweeted” a referral. Patient support groups are on facebook or Google. We point social media inquiries to appropriate physicians or our clinics. These healthcare “transactions” may seem superficial to many but definitely it impacts physician-patient engagement.

2. Patients search health information online, including some social media sites.

You probably been into forums or social media groups where questions mainly revolved around health and healthcare. Irked by the misleading health information on social propagated by unscrupulous “medical experts”? Cried foul? There are two critical facets in health education- getting the necessary (accurate) health information and passing on the good ones via health education. Even if we don’t participate in these sites there’s no stopping patients from getting or spreading health information via social media sites. If you find out your patients are getting (and probably passing on) “bad” health information on social media, will you leave them there by staying on the “sidelines” and do nothing about it?

3. Humans are innately social. Health is social. Philippines is the world’s top social media user.

Filipinos are known to be a very social.It’s not surprising therefore that Philippines is on top of the world in terms of social media usage by percentage population. Social media is so intertwined with our daily lives that some national events have been cooked and hacked via social media. Moreover, this digitally connected generation spent more time on facebook than anywhere else. It’s not very hard to think that healthcare is one of the most discussed info in social media.

4. Social media has leverage the power of the voice for healthcare stakeholders

Notice how social media changed landscape of influence in healthcare? The recent BIR tax campaign directed at professionals took the “headlines” of timelines and status updates. “Loud” discussions occupied social media sites. Voices from physicians not in your sphere of influence popped out of nowhere and swooned you into action, or dissention. It may not have been that successfully loud to gather up the huge support needed but it definitely affected the way we think and behave towards healthcare issues. The bottomline is that healthcare stakeholders used social media to spread advocacies, rally support and push for changes in health care . Social media has given us, a voice.

5. Social media gave us a platform for health education.

There is no denying we need to up this country’s health literacy. Taking care of our patients entails health education. Health education is part of our treatment strategy. Social media has tremendously increased our reach, at a much cheaper expense.This offers huge potential for mass health education beyond clinic space. The challenge for health educators is harnessing this platform to augment health teachings in the clinics.

Social media healthcare in the Philippines is here and it will stay for quite sometime. The question is not anymore when, but how should we utilize it.

(If you are a Filipino physician practicing in the Philippines, please join our survey on social media usage of healthcare professionals here. It will only take less than 5 minutes of your time. 🙂 )

Resources
How to prepare for and execute an online presence in healthcare
http://www.howardluksmd.com/orthopedic-social-media/physician-social-media-presence-

Social Media Engagement: The Surprising Facts About How Much Time People Spend On The Major Social Networks
http://www.businessinsider.com/social-media-engagement-statistics-2013-12#ixzz2zdUwqd9w

Philippines named social networking capital of the world
http://asiancorrespondent.com/54475/philippines-named-the-social-networking-capital-of-the-world-indonesia-malaysia-amongst-top-10/

24 Outstanding Statistics & Figures on How Social Media has Impacted the Health Care Industry –
http://getreferralmd.com/2013/09/healthcare-social-media-statistics/#sthash.M1zpASgb.dpufhttp://getreferralmd.com/2013/09/healthcare-social-media-statistics/

Health Fact Sheet
http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/health-fact-sheet/

As a novel communication tool, Social Media will improve doctoring.http://www.drjohnm.org/2013/04/as-a-novel-communication-tool-social-media-will-improve-doctoring/

April 23, 2014
TEXThink My Juan 2 Send!: SMS as a communication tool in healthcare
Having one of the fastest growth rate for mobile technology usage, text messaging is a major part of social communication in the Philippines today. Text messaging allows fast transmission of information. It minimizes time wasted in call back protocols predominant in the era of telephones and pagers. The growing, interconnected telco coverage spheres or bubble made it almost impossible for someone to “evade” messages as long as you know his or her cellphone number and there is a “signal” in that area. Since one simply does not share cellphone numbers to people they don’t trust, text messaging is relatively secure than emails, which can be hacked or flooded with spam.

In healthcare, sms’ utility went beyond social networking. Fast, efficient and because it can be sent asynchronously to any person who is mobile, text messaging became the mainstay of communications for many healthcare institutions and HCPs in the Philippines.

But sms as a communication tool in healthcare exposes patients, HCPs and HCis to potential risks. One potential problem is electronic healthcare data privacy infringements. Sms can be sent to a wrong person, read by everyone else and are sometimes a nightmare to track . The use of personal cellphone numbers to send/received electronic patient data or even critical care orders not only poses risk to HCI but more importantly, to the safety of the patient. Without a HIPAA like law to govern electronic healthcare data, HCIs in the Philippines need to create hospital wide policies and protocols governing use of SMS as a healthcare communication tool.

Join us this coming saturday April 5, 2014 10:00 AM Manila Time (UTC + 8) for an hour of tweetchat and followed by a Hang Out on Air conversation , as we discuss “TEXThink My Juan 2, Send!”

[box type=”note” size=”large” style=”rounded” border=”full”]
- T1: As an HCP, do you use sms as an official communication tool for sharing electronic health data in health care institutions?
- T2: In what instance are sms of benefit to patients, HCPs and HCI as a communication tool? What instances are they not?
- T3: Do you think SMS has been utilized fully as communication tool for low resource community like PH?
- CT: If you have one sms usage policy suggestion for HCI/HCPs, what would it be?
[/box]

Join our tweetchat discussion by following hashtag #healthxph and replying to the discussion using the same hashtag, #healthxph. To join the HOA watch the live discussion on this youtube link

Resources
Healthcare Texting in a HIPAA-Compliant Environment
http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/aug12/managing5.asp

Eight Reasons SMS Is Unacceptable for Critical Hospital Communications Is SMS Good 4 Hospitals? R U Sure
http://vocantas.com/documents/WP-US-8-Reasons-SMS-Unacceptable-Hospitals.pdf

Building an SMS Network into a Rural Healthcare System
http://www.kiwanja.net/media/docs/Rural-Healthcare-SMS.pdf

The Role of SMS in Business Communications
http://www.dolphinglobaltech.com/The%20Role%20of%20SMS%20in%20Biz%20Communication.pdf
April 5, 2014