Table 1 Advantages and limitations of technology in immunotherapy
From: Use of new technology to improve utilization and adherence to immunotherapy
Technology | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) | -Improve efficiency and workflow | -No studies have evaluated if this modality improves utilization and adherence of immunotherapy |
-Allergy/immunology specific modules allow for management of injections, documentation of skin test results, and immunotherapy documentation and billing. | -Cost | |
| Â | -Some modules can generate reports of patients late for injections and can create batch reminder e-mails/letters | Â |
Commercially available devices aimed at reducing pain with injections | -Use of vibration in the vicinity of intended injection site supposedly reduces pain associated with injections | -No studies have evaluated if this modality improves utilization and adherence of immunotherapy |
| Â | -May improve patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment. | -Cost |
Social Media | ||
   Twitter | -Increasing presence of allergists using Twitter to disseminate information | -No studies have evaluated if these modalities improves utilization and adherence of immunotherapy |
|  | -Twitter is used by allergists at the meetings of AAAAI, ACAAI, EAACI, and WAO | -Difficulty validating authors’ credentials and qualifications |
   YouTube | -Has been used by AAAAI, ACAAI, and EAACI to disseminate information | -Information anarchy |
| Â | -Allergists can use YouTube to post educational videos and then embed them into their website. They can also embed videos created by reputed health organizations | -Difficulty finding time to use social media by physicians |
   Online Networks | -Provide forum for allergists and patients to engage in real-time collaboration | -Dearth of active participation of physicians |
-Decreased physician workplace acceptance and support | ||
| Â | Â | -Concerns over maintaining confidentiality |
   Short Message Service (SMS)/Text Messaging | -Daily SMS reminders have improved adherence of medication treatment outcomes in allergic rhinitis. | -No studies have evaluated if this modality improves utilization and adherence of immunotherapy |
   Electronic Surveys | -Have been used to assess immunotherapy practices and utilization | -No studies have evaluated if this modality improves utilization and adherence of immunotherapy |
| Â | -Have been used to assess characteristics of patients living with allergies | Â |
   Tablet Computers | -Graphic display and ease of interface | -No studies have evaluated if this modality improves utilization and adherence of immunotherapy |
| Â | -Point-of-care tablet computers have been shown to improve allergy/immunology education | Â |