{"id":2049,"date":"2009-04-23T10:00:31","date_gmt":"2009-04-23T15:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pmedicine.org\/epatients\/?p=2049"},"modified":"2009-04-25T20:23:22","modified_gmt":"2009-04-26T01:23:22","slug":"health-20-meets-ix-susannah-foxs-presentation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/participatorymedicine.org\/epatients\/2009\/04\/health-20-meets-ix-susannah-foxs-presentation.html","title":{"rendered":"Mobile could be a game-changer – but only for those who get in the game."},"content":{"rendered":"

Original title: Health 2.0 meets Ix: Susannah Fox’s presentation<\/em><\/p>\n

Here are my prepared remarks for the “Navigating the New Health Care Delivery System” segment at the Health 2.0 meets Ix conference (with the lines I added to respond to other themes brought out during the conference in bold<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

“Is Health IT the answer? Only if it helps foster relationships.” What a powerful statement about the role of technology in our lives. Ideo’s interviews uncovered trends which are reflected in the national phone surveys conducted by the Pew Internet Project.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Participatory medicine is taking hold with both citizens and health professionals.
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\nBut there are still pockets of people who lack access to the basic technology, lack the skills required to participate, lack interest in trying something new<\/strong>, or who may lack the sense that they are welcome.<\/p>\n

The Pew Internet Project<\/a> studies the social impact of the internet. We conduct classic telephone surveys to measure tech adoption in the U.S. and to map online social life. Our most recent survey about health and health care was conducted in December 2008 in partnership with the California HealthCare Foundation<\/a> and I am writing a report which will come out in a few weeks. I am here to give you a sneak preview of those findings.<\/p>\n

We all know that broadband enabled \u201calways on\u201d access. Now, mobile has created the state of being \u201calways connected.\u201d The consequence is that mobile is changing us, once again, as internet users.<\/p>\n

39% of adults are what we call Motivated by Mobility<\/a>. That describes most of the people in this room. You just checked your email and you are probably Twittering. We use wireless technology not as a replacement, but as a supplement to everything we do on our desktops. Mobile access creates a \u201ccontinual information exchange<\/a>\u201d that feeds on itself and reinforces our collaborative behavior.<\/p>\n

Tap into that mobile hive and you\u2019ve got a chance to make a difference in this world.<\/p>\n

Most Americans \u2013 61% of adults \u2013 are what we call the Stationary Media Majority<\/a>. Many are on the \u201chave\u201d side of the so-called digital divide. They have broadband, they have a cell phone \u2013 but they are rooted in old media.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re someone who thinks that online collaboration is a good thing, you have not convinced these people. In fact, you may even be losing them. They are just not that into your hive. They are satisfied with old ways or just comfortable with a desktop experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Looking specifically at health, the Pew Internet Project confirms our finding that 8 in 10 internet users, or 61% of U.S. adults, have looked online for health information.<\/p>\n

But more importantly, just as we find that mobile access creates a \u201ccontinual information exchange\u201d the Pew Internet Project finds that online health research does not replace traditional sources of health information. Participatory medicine can reinforce and supplement traditional sources of care.<\/p>\n

The vast majority of people with a health question want to consult a health professional. The second most popular choice is friends and family. Third choice: the internet and books.<\/p>\n

But participatory patients or e-patients are using the internet in new ways. Some are going online to connect, in fact, with what we think of as traditional sources: health professionals, friends, and family members.<\/p>\n

Technology is not an end, but a means to accelerate the pace of discovery, widen social networks, and sharpen the questions someone might ask when they do get to talk to a health professional. Technology can enable <\/strong>the human connection in health care.<\/p>\n

For example, a significant percentage of internet users look for tailored information, provided by other e-patients, seeking the \u201cjust-in-time someone like me\u201d who can help them in a given situation:<\/p>\n