RFID may soon find a place under the skin of patients for storing medical information

Filed in archive Healthcare on July 6, 2007

This could become a debatable topic in the days to come. American Medical Association (AMA) stated that very soon doctors would be storing important medical information under the skin of the patients. Chips of the size of the grain of rice will be implanted with a needle and in times of emergency the data stored on this chip could be used for accessing records of the seriously ill patients without losing out on time. These chips are removable and can stay in one place but due to their small size can also be moved to other parts of the body of a person. The chips have already got the approval from the medical association so that they can be used for improving the safety and efficiency of patient care. It is expected to help in correct identification of patients and ensure secure access to clinical information. As per the report of AMA it is expected to improve continuity and co-ordination of care coupled with reduced cases of medical errors and adverse drug events.

However it is also being said in the report that these devices could lead to social hazards, physical risks and even compromise on the privacy of the patient. Though you might see some groups disapproving of the technology to raise some hue and cry but if it improves the healthcare of the patient then it should be given the green signal.