For the Internet and technology literate, there is Web 2.0. For all of us, there is health. What happens when you combine the two? You get Health 2.0…naturally. Increasingly, Patients and Doctors are using Web technologies to diagnose, treat and manage diseases and conditions.
In today’s world, with healthcare being a massive issue for practically everyone, the healthcare industry has struggled to find new ways of keeping up with patients, diseases, charts, and doctor-patient communication. As for the patients, regular people like you and me have become much more educated about our health, taking matters into our own hands to ensure we get proper care and treatment. One of the ways we do this is by using technology.
Last week, I was asked to fill out an electronic questionnaire online that would be submitted to my doctor before I actually saw her. I’m sure this is as useful to her as it is to me. No more having to stumble verbally and stamper when explaining my symptoms—no more wasting time in a waiting room filling out paperwork until my hand feels like it’s about to fall off. With a simple 20-minute online questionnaire, I was able to document and submit all of my medical history, current symptoms, and reason for my visit.
As part of the Health 2.0 Conference, held in San Diego, March 3-4, 2008, we interviewed three doctors and three patients who all use technology to diagnose, treat and manage diseases and conditions. These videos were played at the conference in front of hundreds of leaders in the Health 2.0 space and are now available to watch online.
The Line-Up
Doctor 2.0: Dr. Jay Parkinson walks us around Brooklyn and discusses his Web-centric practice.
On-Call, and Online: Dr. Jordan Schlain of San Francisco’s On Call Medical Group discusses their use of communications technology in the field.
Managing Pain, Managing Expectations: Shiri Sandler discusses how she uses the Web site Relief in Site to manage the chronic pain associated with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.
A Second Change in Second Life: Alice Krueger discusses the Heron Sanctuary, a Second Life island she founded for for the disabled.
Patient 2.0: I’m Too Young for This founder Matthew Zachary talks about the online community he founded for young people with cancer.
Our goal is to continue to feature patients and doctors around the country (and even the world) who are using innovative tools and technologies. We view this 6 part video series as the beginning of the conversation. If you would like to help as a sponsor of future documentaries, or if you know a doctor or patient using Web technologies in innovative ways, please contact us.
