The power of integrated data

摘要

A recent survey of ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom showed that 30% have access to electronic patient records (EPR), and about two thirds of these used the EPR for almost all of their cataract surgery. That shows great progress over the past few years?one wonders if they appreciate quite what they are achieving. They are building the most powerful database of cataract surgery the world has ever seen. Will it one day turn on them and devour them?-Great good can come from the use of data, but also great evil. We stand at a crossroad right now and which road we take will shape our individual and collective destinies, our relationship with patients, and our standing in society.