The Pew Internet/Health FAQ

November 20, 2009 · Filed Under general · 24 Comments 

A big part of my job, and one I love, is answering questions, mostly from reporters. Sometimes I have just the data or insight someone needs, often I recommend someone else.

Here is a sample of frequently-asked questions and my current answers. Please add your questions and answers in the comments: What are you curious about when it comes to technology’s impact on health care? What resources do you recommend?

Is a cultural shift affecting health care?

Yes. Thanks to the internet, people increasingly expect to have access to information.  They increasingly expect to be able to comment on and easily share information.  And it turns out that participation matters as much as access.

This is my favorite topic and I could talk for hours (or for 4:21; 4:44; 3:06; or 4:50). Read more

Keep an eye out for tomorrow morning’s post

September 29, 2009 · Filed Under Why PM, positive patterns, pt/doc co-care, trends & principles · 4 Comments 

In our “Why Participatory Medicine” series, leading up to the October 21 launch of the Journal of Participatory Medicine, tomorrow’s guest post will be a special treat for me. It contains a breakthrough insight about participatory medicine, and it’s a perfect example of how social media is enabling a wildfire acceleration of the spread of ideas.

The author is Amy Romano @MidwifeAmy, a nurse-midwife and advocate for mother-friendly maternity care. An expert in research analysis, she manages the Science & Sensibility blog for Lamaze International. Read more