Seniors Increasingly Finding Utility of Internet
The allure of the Internet is starting to grow among American seniors, according to a report from America’s Health Insurance Plans. In November 2006, only thirty percent of Americans over age 65 were using the Internet. That has grown to 35 percent as of April 2008, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Center.
More importantly, AARP reports that seniors are engaging in more and more complex tasks with the Internet. The organization has also noted growth in use of their own web pages; page views are up at least fifty percent in the last year. Most of the time spent is researching healthcare issues or social security.
Growing utilization of this tool can be a key resource for healthcare professionals, particularly those clinicians who provide care for the elderly. Personal health records, for example, can be an invaluable tool for this cohort.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) commenced a PHR pilot program among Medicare Advantage members in the beginning of the year. This effort will be the platform to develop a simple and user-friendly PHR system for all Medicare recipients.
PHRs are intended for use by individuals, distinct from EHRs that are used by healthcare providers. The PHR can be used by seniors to maintain a complete medical history, health conditions, and medication lists including drug allergies.
The healthcare community lauds use of PHRs. The obvious benefit is complete medical records which are easily accessible, providing clinicians with key information. Another benefit is a reduction in errors. But PHRs may also compel individuals to become more involved in their own care, a significant advantage.
August 29, 2008 Related topics: Trends