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Study: Patients Prefer Automated Follow-Up Over Human Interaction

Study: Patients Prefer Automated Follow-Up Over Human Interaction
by Tammy Adams

Robo-dentist? Well, not exactly. But a recent study conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland concluded that most people do not mind (or even prefer) receiving their follow-up oral hygiene information from an iPad rather than directly from a healthcare professional.

It's no great surprise as most of us are already using smartphones, computers and tablets on a regular basis for everything from work and social networking to entertainment, personal banking and so much more.

The research, published in the Dentistry Journal, evaluated 60 patients for their willingness and ability to follow oral hygiene instructions delivered by an iPad rather than face-to-face with a healthcare professional.

Leena Palomo, DMD, MSD, is an associate professor in the Department of Periodontics and was the creator and leader of the project.

"In healthcare, we are not only preparing for an influx of elderly patients and a growing global middle class wanting to improve quality of life, but also trying to keep a lid on the skyrocketing costs of care delivery," Palomo said. "The challenge is how we can help more people who need it and help cut the already-high cost of care delivery."

Read full article on MultiBriefs.