Social Media Trends to Watch for in 2009
Tags: social media, physicians, providers, consumers
In 2008 medicine evolved. There was an explosion of social media applications enabling physicians and consumers to share healthcare related information. With 60 million U.S. adults now Health 2.0 consumers according to Manhattan Research, I want to look ahead to the coming year and share, from a physician's perspective, the trends I will be watching for in 2009.
Provider Trends in 2009
Physicians will continue to pour into online communities and physician social networks throughout 2009, but priorities are changing, and we will demand more from the social media services we use - we will see:
The Evolution of Physician Collaboration.
We will embrace resources that offer trusted information and look for more in a site than news feeds or discussions boards. And we will build and use professional networks to help filter the overflow of information and prioritize our learning activities.
Recognition of rapid communication tools as a resource, not a distraction.
Health Systems and provider groups will start to understand the massive potential of instant communication, whether mobile or via microblogging as an information and collaboration resource, and begin to 'unblock' these services for their providers.
Early steps in improving Provider/Industry interaction.
In order to re-establish trust in their interactions with Physicians, Industry will begin to lean towards a more open and balanced exchange of information. Over time, new models will level the playing field with improved transparency between both parties.
Mobile, Mobile, Mobile. Physicians have always been interested in mobile apps for referencing medication doses and practice management resources but with wireless broadband access, faster processors, and slick new devices like the 3G iPhone, more useful and productive apps are bound to appear. Look for mobile apps that go beyond simple reference and calculators to interactive learning, CME, and instant or "store and forward" consultations.
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