Re: Mail Server

From: da (da_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 08/21/04 

Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2004 18:56:33 GMT

>
> Do you often argue in this post-modern way?
>

Post modern? I have no idea what you're talking about.

> You might as well argue that
> these individuals can't afford the space and annoyance of having a
computer
> in their offices.
>

Actually, that's exactly it. This isn't too much of an exageration - and I
think it's the point you refuse to get. To understand this, you have to
realize and be willing to accept the fact that health care environments are:

1) Generally speaking, technologically backward (where computing is
concerned)
2) Very often *indeed* cramped for space and...
3) ...also for budget (so to speak)
4) ...and time
5) Heavily regulated (HIPAA, 21-CFR-11, etc.)
6) Usually have stringent and prohibitive measures regarding the
installation of new hardware and software
7) ... more that I won't drone on about: you get the picture

All of this conspires to say: "Any system that requires installation of new
software or scripts to run bots to poll an external network - particularly
the internet - will be met with great skepticism on the part of IRBs
(Internal Review Boards)."

The fact that it is something "new" for them to install is a basic problem.
The fact that it would need to be maintained and updated is yet another
problem, etc., etc., etc...

On the other hand, simply having them subscribe via email address is
non-intrusive, introduces no new local hardware, software or scripts - and
accomplishes the goal of (almost) transparent notification. Why? Cause
everyone's already got email.

> They clearly disagree with you.

Do they? How many have you spoken with or deployed systems for recently?

All experience points the other way. Doctors, Nurses and Health Care
Providers in general, do NOT want to be bothered with computers, any more
than they absolutely have to. There are a number of reasons for this, most
of which have to do with workflow and HCP/Patient interaction. If you've
got evidence to the contrary, you should write an article on it submit it
to the ADA or a mag like Bio Health IT World for publication - then stand
back and duck while the rebuttles to pour in. <g>

> > Email notifications, on the other hand, are (fairly close to being)
> > perfect for this.
>
> It represents the worst possible solution to alerting a large number of
> recipients to the existence of a single new document. It would be like
> General Motors shipping everyone a copy of its new model car, and
accepting
> the inevitable heat from those who happened not to want it.
>

Once again ( I tried to tell you this before, but you won't listen ) - the
documents aren't all the same. They're as different as... as... well... as
different as you are from me. Get it? <g> (And they're not unsolicited -
the people receiving the notifications are signed up for it).

Next...

-- da