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Talking Points

They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. But what about a lot of information? In the age of the information explosion, it often seems there's just too much to assimilate, and the temptation is to simply throw up our hands in frustration.

Fortunately, we know better. Information is best viewed as a potential gold mine, not as a stumbling block. And as healthcare systems, providers, and consumers face a widening gap between what one commentator called the "information-privileged" and those he dubbed the "information-challenged," it shouldn't be too difficult for pharmaceutical care providers to decide which of these is the better group to join.

The advantages to being part of the information "in crowd" seem fairly obvious. The current explosion in information technologies supports increasingly sophisticated financial, operations, and outcomes measurement activities. It facilitates the exchange of information among health care entities, and it can help you, as a provider, enhance your own knowledge and monitor the processes of care at a very detailed level.

Information and the technologies that deliver it have yet another potential advantage, though one we're just beginning to realize. Over the long haul, they'll help pharmacists communicate better with the patients they care for.

Think about it: the power of the Internet is delivering the fruits of the information explosion not only to pharmacists as providers, but to your patients and their families as well. The time is approaching when many of your patients will have the information they need to participate much more effectively in the health care decision-making process.

And where does that put you? I suggest that this aspect of the information age puts consultant pharmacists in a position to capitalize on one of our unique strengths as health care providers. We're already known for the collaborative approach we take to working with other health care professionals and patients. Year after year, pharmacists maintain a position at the top of the Gallup Poll's list of "most trusted" professionals.

It seems to me that the information explosion has enormous potential to strengthen the bond with health care consumers by opening the door to more effective communication between provider and patient.

Of course, this only works if we maintain our end of the bargain. This issue of The Consultant Pharmacist is packed with information that is directly relevant to your practice and to your patients. Dialysis in the elderly, respiratory tract infections in long-term care residents, geriatric assessment teams, exchange of patient information-they're all examined here, with resources for further exploration.

So, while it's tempting to turn and walk away from the formidable challenges of the information age, I'm betting that the smartest among us will do just the opposite. It's time to get comfortable with the information explosion. Our patients are expecting it, and I know that we can not only meet their expectations, we can do even better. Our track record proves it.

R. Tim Webster
ASCP Executive Director