In a recent series of tests, new research by Prof. Manuel Arroyo-Morales and colleagues of University of Granada, Spain believe their results "give preliminary support to the implementation of Web-based low back pain (LBP) assessment systems using video recordings that can be evaluated by different therapists." The test used Skype and other more widely-used Internet communication services to connect patients with therapists in order to diagnose and treat injuries.
Therapists guided patients through tests performing specific movements, and captured video clips for analysis using video motion analysis software (Kinovea). The sessions also included a written online form. The concept is easy to understand considering millions of people each day use WebMD and YouTube in order to discover treatments to injuries and common ailments.
Internet-based development is remaking healthcare technology. The idea is intriguing and could save patients a lot of time waiting at the doctor’s office, including shortening times waiting for an appointment. While there are certainly some benefits and the idea is just leveraging what people do, the idea is still far from being a complete answer to healthcare. There are problems, some inherent with any technology innovation, such as security.
The study itself mentions that it excluded individuals who did not have a familiar working knowledge of the technology involved. While it may be hard to believe, many people do not use Skype or other Web-based technologies. These patients would never benefit from an online system such as this, and they may well be the majority.
I myself suffer from LBP. It is a constant reminder that I am not Superman. I injured myself during my military service. The injuries came from being a hard charging soldier and thinking I was invincible to many of the precautions more wise soldiers took.
I never had a visit to a doctor or a PT that was not a hands-on event. There are many things that cannot be diagnosed nor discovered without doctor and patient in physical proximity. There is very little that technology can do to bridge that gap.
Edited by
Rachel Ramsey
