ARE YOU A CONFUSED PATIENT OR CARER IN NEED OF .COM? Bruce Elliott 27th October 2017

Are you confused and in need of.com? Why I am? What helps me most in managing my condition and in supporting my family and I hope may help you Some hopes for 2020 and beyond...

‘ Why I’m confused and in need of .com and I think my friends are too!

Why I’m confused and in need of .com and I think my friends are too! ‘Boy in a coma’ – I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 6. My mam had shared with the GP information about my rapid weight reduction, constant thirst and sugary urine and yet no link was made, and the Doctor referred to things passing in conversation. Still along with insulin injections it introduced me to ‘a diet without tears’, getting blood tests and being given the results in hospital clinics But now in the digital age are things any better?. How many of us have access to our GP records, or our full Medical Records? How many of us can share details of our own exercise regimes and test results? But one of the most important aspects to me is how many of us can support our elderly relatives and loved ones via encouraging them to ‘try digital’ and/or through having proxy access to records? The final picture is of my mother-in-law, Maureen whose experience perfectly demonstrates this.   

‘ Why I’m confused and in need of .com and I think my friends are too! Studies have indicated that about 50% of information provided by healthcare providers is retained.

Studies have indicated that about 50% of information provided by healthcare providers is retained. And it gets worse as the study goes on to show that about 50% of the information we do think we remember is recalled incorrectly.

Studies have indicated that about 50% of information provided by healthcare providers is retained. And it gets worse as the study goes on to show that about 50% of the information we do think we remember is recalled incorrectly. Another study has painted an even less optimistic picture stating that less than 10% of information is retained. However, evidence seems to show that for most of us between 40 to 80% of what we’re told in a consultation is forgotten immediately.

What does and would help me to care for myself and my family too... In terms of commitments following on from the great work that was done in particular by Amir Hannan with his patients such as the wonderful and now sadly departed Margaret Rickson, from 2005 onwards, “Think of Women’s Realm readers, Bruce!”. Self-management and self-care is part of national ambitions under the 5YFV and PHC 2020, and were at the forefront of Jeremy Hunt’s thoughts  too.

SOME HOPES FOR 2020 GPs and Social Care staff will make more use of .com in supporting you – simple and usable More remote self-monitoring and testing remotely Sunderland will be about to start their 1st year in the Champions League….and Newcastle their 12th