“Webcast,” “MP3,” and “blog” have become a part of today’s lexicon for members of every generation, and almost every profession, including physical therapy.

The Journal of Neurological Physical Therapy (JNPT), for instance, has entered the digital-media arena by offering podcasts of its article abstracts. Beginning with its March issue, JNPT will offer podcasts of each article’s abstract, as well as the “Guide to Each Issue,” and “Editor’s Note.” JNPT and the New England Journal of Medicine are the first journals indexed in Medline to provide such a service. In addition to listening to each article’s abstract, readers will be able to listen to commentaries and discussions with the authors.

Podcasting allows listeners to subscribe to a Web site’s “feed”—using software such as Apple’s iTunes—and receive the latest audio files automatically downloaded to their computers as they become available. These files can then be transferred to portable digital audio players, such as iPods, for convenient consumption. The online edition of JNPT for March will feature icons in its table of contents for each article that can be podcast. According to JNPT, many more forums where authors and readers can interact are being planned.

Are you, as a PT, ready for technology to put you in touch with not only your peers in the research space, but also your patients? Consider how you interact with your patients through technology: Does your practice have a Web site? Is it interactive? Do you have a blog so that potential patients can get to know you better? Perhaps you can provide your own weekly podcasts to spread the message to your community about the importance of physical wellness and body maintenance.

Today’s Internet-savvy patients and caregivers range in age from young adults to Baby Boomers. Even the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) encourages its members to stay abreast of the latest technology trends. For example, it recently joined companies like Adobe Systems, Sony, and the Business Software Alliance to fight for network neutrality—to not allow the companies that provide backbone service for the Internet to replace the Internet’s current structure, in which each packet of information sent across the network is given equal priority no matter what you pay, with a tiered pricing system in which packets are prioritized based on how much is paid. Although the AARP states that it traditionally does not get involved in technology legislation, the fact that its members are even talking about how maintaining network neutrality is essential for all citizens over age 50 shows how pervasive the technology has become.    

It is inevitable that you will have to learn more about software and hardware. Depending on the size of your staff, many of you are likely your facility’s IT specialist. It may seem daunting to always have to brush up on your computer and technology skills in addition to your clinical practice skills, but today’s health care consumers already gather infinite amounts of information through the Internet. You want to make sure that, within your community, your Web site is the most comprehensive and educational resource on physical health and wellness.

Physical Therapy Products is doing its part to be a top resource for you, both in print and online. Visit our new Web site, www.ptproductsonline.com, where you will find convenient daily news updates to help keep you informed.