Web 2.0 is the buzzword on everyone’s minds, but how is it changing the game for health care?

The Internet is rapidly evolving from an environment where static pages exist for people to search and read information (a.k.a. Web 1.0) to one where users from all walks of life can create and share content online. 

Patients now have the potential to go beyond just researching health facts on the web to actively sharing their experiences with each other – not only for emotional support but also to benefit from collective intelligence and gain clinical knowledge from each other.  They increasingly have the ability to take greater control and play a larger role in the management of their own health.

Not surprisingly, a recent survey showed that patients are starting to consult Internet-based resources, including social media, more than they consult their physicians.

59% resort to Internet-based resources (including Web sites, search engines, online advertisements, blogs, forums, and social networks) for health- and wellness-related information (versus 55%  who ask their physician)

Source: iCrossing

Physicians themselves are starting to utilize Web 2.0 as well.  Sermo.com is an example of a social networking site exclusively for doctors which enables members to come together to share their knowledge in order to “accelerating the emergence of trends and new insights on medications, devices and treatments.”   

Here is a small sample of the many health-related Web 2.0 resources out there:

It is clear that Web 2.0’s popularity will start to change the way in which patients, physicians and researchers collaborate and learn about illnesses and therapies, and manage patient health. 

Web 2.0 holds great potential for both health care professionals and patients alike, but it remains to be seen how issues surrounding privacy and security, which are especially heightened in the health care space, will be overcome.

Read my full article on Health 2.0.