Docs, patients must practice patience with regard to IT use

Both physicians and patients will have to change their habits--and be patient in the process--to accommodate and get used to technology in healthcare settings, according to James Salwitz, M.D., posting on his Sunrise Rounds blog. "Patients must understand that for moments the doctor will look at the computer instead of directly at them, and not be offended," he writes. "Both doctors and patients should turn off their cell phones." In addition, he says, doctors will need to make sure they take time to look their patients in the eye, rather than continuing to "ogle" the computer screen. "We must turn, see and touch our patients," he says. Post