As new devices and mobile health applications pop up every day, physicians need to be more proactive in their approach to educate patients on how these technologies are used, according to American Medical Association Assistant Director for Federal Affairs Shannon Curtis.
Here are three rules for physicians to follow when educating patients:
1. Be aware of the regulatory status of an app or device before recommending it to patients. The regulatory status can also change from year to year, so it is important to be up to date.
2. Alert patients to data privacy issues. Patients don't always understand where the data from their wearable device or health app is being stored.
3. Help patients understand the information they receive. As new technology emerges, physicians need to be prepared to answer more questions from patients, especially about direct-to-consumer genetic tests.
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