This is with reference to the evolution in digital health
Stephen I. Ternyik
Interaction with Physicians: Patients typically had face-to-face consultations with their doctors. The physician would conduct a thorough examination, take detailed patient histories, and make diagnostic assessments before prescribing medications. Limited Access to Information: Information about medications was primarily available through medical textbooks, drug brochures, and consultations with pharmacists. There was less access to online resources, so healthcare providers relied heavily on their education and experience. Prescribing Process: Prescriptions were often handwritten on paper by physicians, and patients would take these to a pharmacy to have them filled. This process involved the pharmacist interpreting the handwriting, which could sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Regulatory Environment: The regulation of pharmaceuticals was less stringent, with fewer guidelines governing the prescription process. Drugs were often approved based on smaller study populations, and there were fewer post-marketing surveillance systems in place. Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives: Pharmaceutical companies employed sales representatives who would visit physicians to promote their drugs. This could potentially influence prescribing habits, but the transparency around such interactions was less emphasized. Limited Patient Involvement: Patients had less access to their medical records and lab results compared to today. The decision-making process was more physician-centric, with patients generally following their doctor's recommendations without much discussion or input into their treatment plans. Drug Information Resources: While there were resources like the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) for drug information, they were not as comprehensive or accessible as today's online databases. Healthcare providers relied more on their training and less on up-to-date information. Insurance Reimbursement: Insurance coverage for medications was less standardized, and formularies were less comprehensive. Patients often faced higher out-of-pocket costs, making medication affordability a significant concern. Technological Limitations: The use of technology in healthcare was limited. There were no electronic health records (EHRs) or computerized prescribing systems, which increased the likelihood of errors and made the tracking of prescriptions more cumbersome.
Before the 1990s, the medication prescription process was quite different from what it is today:
The medication prescription process Nneoma Prisca Ezechinyere-Opara before the 1990s was characterized by more traditional practices, limited patient engagement, and less access to information and technology compared to contemporary standards. The evolution of healthcare, influenced by advancements in technology and a shift toward patient-centered care, has significantly transformed the approach to medication prescribing in recent decades.
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