Medi-X-Change

Physicians & HCPs

Associations

Pharma Companies

Patients

"Patients' use of the web, particularly patient-to-patient, is playing an influential and transformative role in health care, particularly around chronic diseases"

(Medicine 2.0, Toronto, September 2008  PARC: Diane Schiano)  

For organizations dedicated to the education and support of patients and caregivers, the advent of Web 2.0 has opened the door to many new opportunities.  Health related searches represent the most commonly searched topic on the world wide web today.  New technology is playing a vital role in helping patients to connect with what they need, when they need it most.  It is well documented that as patients and caregivers move through various stages, from concern about a potential health issue to diagnosis, treatment, and potentially survivorship, they have unique needs for both support and education.   While there is a plethora of resources available, it is the web that patients are turning to most frequently - whether it is to connect with others sharing similar interests or stages of disease, or to seek education and support from their care team or clinic. 

This evolution provides new opportunities for those who wish to educate and support patients through their journey.  Organizations can now share knowledge and information with targeted audience groups based upon disease, geography, treatment center, age, or any other relevant affiliation.  A patient community can connect patients with your own resources, documents and media, as well as those available outside of your organization.  It can provide patients with an opportunity to access peer support on their own terms, and their own timeframe.   

Online communities are cost-effective, quick to set up, and easy to manage.  Updates are easy and made by your own administrator in minutes, no IT resource is required.