Many health professionals are very wary of using technology as a component of their approach. However, they are often unaware of how clients–around the world–are online and at risk or enriching their understanding of the last visit. Jones & Bartlett has given me the opportunity to organize some thinking on this topic–the book Health Technology Literacy: A Transdisciplinary Framework for Consumer Centered Practice is scheduled for March. One recommendation I advocate for is adding to our basic assessments how clients/patients/families are already using games, email, social networking, etc. in their daily lives without our “permission.”

Still new health and social welfare facilities and programs for the underserved are being designed without improving access to digital resources. More homes have broadband but not necessarily technical assistance nor health professional guidance to take advantage of health resources. There is also the dilemma of learning not to be taken advantage of with respect to health fraud and faulty information.