“MySpace” Meets Healthcare

There’s a good article on social networks in healthcare in The Wall Street Journal today: “The Informed Patient: Social Networking Comes to Health Care — Online Tools Give Patients Better Access to Information And Help Build Communities” (subscription required — thanks, Rachelle, for the heads up).

In 2007, I believe we’ll see a surge in social networks around medical conditions.  This makes total sense since 80 percent of adult Internet users search for healthcare information on-line (see Pew, see Harris Interactive, etc.).  These sites will be (subtly) sponsored by pharmaceutical companies to help patients understand their conditions and treatment options.   Social networks are highly appealing to people facing illnesses because they can efficiently find peers with whom to compare notes in a timely manner.
Here are some sites featured in the story that are worth visiting:

• dailystrength.org — a range of conditions, from diabetes to depression.
• fluwikie.com — information on flu.
• American Cancer Society and the CDC on Second Life - to appeal to younger patients.
• grouploop.com — for teen cancer survivors.

By the way, a sociologist at Stanford sorted me out on the correct terminology for discussing social networks.  In her field she says “social networking” (as used in the headline of the WSJ article) means “dating.”  Social networks would be the proper way to refer to sites where people come together to share information and develop peer relationships.  I’m really not sure if this is true, but since she’s the expert I use the term “social networks” on The Zone Read and in discussions.
          

          

        

27 December 2006 | Healthcare, Social Networks | Comments