By Dr. med. Heike Unverhau, Head of eHealth, Just Software AG.Are you an ePatient? If you are looking online for health related information, then you are part of the increasing percentage of population that is searching the internet for information about health topics - in addition to traditional information channels.
To date, 80% of internet users go online for health information and searching for health related information has become a paramount reason for internet use.(1,2)
This holds especially for people living with a chronic condition: they are particularly active looking for health information online and their search results often affect their decisions about how to treat anillness or condition.(3)
Besides the quest for information, online communication about health related topics has increased significantly. Platforms like the American website 'Patients Like Me' already count more than 100,000 users that communicate about their condition online.
The health related online communication aims at finding experts for specific conditions, compare treatment options and share information with people who have made similar experiences.(1)
Studies show that a significant proportion of internet users even prefer online communication about health related topics over face-to-face communication.(4)
Everywhere in healthcare where people become the center of attention and the goal is to foster communication web 2.0 technologies can bring huge benefits. Web 2.0 offers a wide array of functionalities that invite users to share, communicate, discuss and exchange, like e.g., blogs, microblogs, multimedia content, wikis, events, groups, and projects.
The aim is not to decrease face to face contact between patient and physician, but to offer additional communication channels and to accept the new generation of ePatients with their increased need for information and interaction.
Web 2.0 technologies allow for person-centered communication. Patient and physician can meet on a new level - online or offline, only depending on the communication channel most appropriate for their individual situation at the time.
About Just Software AG
Just Software AG was founded in 2010 in Hamburg, Germany. The Social Software Suite 'Just Connect for Health' allows healthcare organisations to strengthen internal and external communication, collaboration and knowledge management.
For further information, please visit www.justsoftwareag.com.
1. Fox, Susannah. Online Health Search 2006. Washington, DC: Pew Internet & American Life Project, October 29, 2006.
2. Horrigane & Rainie, 2006 aus Gesundheit und Neue Medien, Springer, 2009.
3. Fox, Susannah. E-patients With a Disability or Chronic Disease. Washington, DC: Pew Internet & American Life Project, October 8, 2007.
4. Beckjord, Rutten, Squiers, Aron, Volkmann, Moser&Hesse, 2007 aus Gesundheit und Neue Medien, Springer, 2009.