Telematics in the future of health care delivery: implications for nursing.

Abstract

B EFORE LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, telematics a t its state-of-the-art in health care today must be described, both its uses and problems. Several future scenarios can then be discussed. The first, derived from technologically oriented forecasters, can be called technologically possible. Placing this picture within the political realities of governmental, corporate, and professional relations, Future II, politically probable, can be formulated. It raises issues about service delivery, professional control, information effectiveness, human relations, and health effects. Attempting to face some of these issues, a thkd future is suggested, preferable and plausible, but one not likely without acceptance of public policy responsibility for guiding telematics, instead of the selective laissez-fake approach of politics-as-usual. Finally, some general conclusions are drawn, after noting another future, quite improbable but healthful.