Patients and professionals in the information society: what might keep us awake in 2013

Abstract

This commentary of Haux' prognosis of the state of affairs in health care and information technology in the year 2013 argues the importance of standing up against the many high-tech, utopian dreams that are often associated with ICT in health care. Discussing many of the themes that Haux brings up, three issues are particularly focused upon: the importance of 'patient-centered' care, the changing position of the professional in current health care, and the nature of health care information. In all these issues, cliches threaten to hide several real and possibly painful issues, which, if unaddressed, will hamper any real progress. In all these issues, moreover, medical informatics plays an important role, and is a core actor in the future shaping of our health care systems. This responsibility should not be taken lightly.