New Generations More Adept With Technology

Everyone knows that each generation has specific characteristics that involve all aspects of life including how they obtain health information. Generation X grew up with the development of computers and remains constant users of technology. The Internet Generation (also known as the Millennial Generation or Generation Y finds great ease and comfort in communicating via technology. Instant communication is a way of life and they are online 24/7 either emailing, text-messaging or enjoying online technology. Now here comes Generation Z who has only known technology their entire lives and has even become dependent on it since it is available in their own pocket. They are indeed the ‘immediate need’ generation. What does this say about the future of utilizing mobile apps for global health care needs?

A recent study by Euro RSCG tonic demonstrates percentages of common virtual users in the U.S. It seems that the most receptive individuals to online health care are those with chronic illnesses, more affluent and younger generations. About 50% of the respondents use mobile apps to run do it yourself (DIY) tests at home and monitor their own symptoms. These patients have much to gain by way of convenience and low cost. This high number of users will inevitably increase worldwide as more users realize these benefits. This is a win-win for physicians who can be more efficient due to time constraints and patients who will receive personalized care. Although the study focused on 1,000 U. S. online users, it is noteworthy to recall that Eastern cultures often follow Western culture patterns.

This change in health care usage is correlated to generational shifting. Already half of the new generations (X, Y & Z) are comfortable with virtual health visits compared to Baby Boomers at almost 40%. These newer generations from around the globe will drive remote health care even further. Their different mindset will make it more likely that they will increasingly use technology to serve their health care needs. This will transform global health care delivery. After all, this is the Internet Generation.

(MUR)

High Standards Remain Necessary in Language Translation

There is a lot to be said about technology and language. For example, the Chinese language is quickly gaining speed by the number of users in the world (second most spoken language in the world next to English as first and Spanish as third). Technology has come a long way and one can now look up words online in just about any language and you can even communicate albeit in a loose way. You can get the gist of the topic at hand, but not implicit information that makes a difference in one’s life. However, there is one exception in digital communication when it comes to technology translation. Health care communication needs to be precise. It is this accuracy that makes it valuable. It is just too important to have personal information be translated by technology in a verbatim way.

First, technology translation about health is private, individual and unique to the patient. It could be a difference of life vs. death, healthy living vs. poor habits or knowledge vs. ignorance. No one can negate the intimacy of communication between a health care provider and a patient where health care is concerned. Technology translation cannot possibly fulfill patient needs in a personalized way. Preciseness is necessary in this case.

There is no question that technology translation has much to offer all industries around the world. We are not quite there for communication about health care matters. Computers may be experts in word translation, but not effective human communication. It is projected that technology translation will not be perfect, merely adequate. Now these applications are often considered “passable”. This is fine for general information or basic business, but not delicate matters with the potential to impact health. Therefore, we still need to rely on medical translation firms who specialize in high quality language standards. Just ask yourself. If you were in China, would you trust your personal health needs to a technology translation application? How about if the words were passable?

(MUR)