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Engaging with the ePatient
@cdebie
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Who is the ePatient?
The engaged/empowered patient is actively involved in the management of his/her treatment, healthcare environment and related decision-making
The ePatient relies primarily on the web for information The ePatient researches not only treatment options,
but also physicians, healthcare facilities, reimbursement policies, and other patients’ experiences with a disease or therapy
http://www.sa-pathways.com/new-health-consumer/the-rise-of-the-empowered-patient
3European Consumers Seeking Health and Pharmaceutical Information, How Technology and Evolving Media Choices Are Shifting the Landscape, White paper, Manhattan Research, 2007
Total adult consumers population in 10 countries 325 million
Patients with chronic and severe diseases search 20% more on line (*)
(*)Pew Internet & American Life Project August 2006 Survey (N=2,928).
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Social Media consists of all the online tools and platforms that people use to share opinions, insights, and experiences with each other1
The passing of information in an informal, person-to-person manner2 is called word-of-mouth or
Buzz
Users can monitor and
analyse the online buzz in relation to topics and products in real-time and across a broad range of social media channels
1. Wikipedia at www.wikipedia.com 2. “The Anatomy of Buzz” by Emanuel Rosen site:
http://www.emanuel-rosen.com/
What is social media and why does it matter?
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The evolution of media
Rob Halkshttp://www.slideshare.net/ARJHalk/social-media-and-pharma
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What are the tools?
The conversation prism – Brian Solis and JESS3www.conversationprism.com
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Who is using Social media?
Pharma:35 Brand-sponsored patient communities
35+ Branded YouTube channels30+ Twitter accounts
Patients:63 Non-branded patient communities
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube…
Physicians42 Healthcare professionals communities
http://www.doseofdigital.com/healthcare-pharma-social-media-wiki/
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Success of a social media programme relies on:
Sharing – the conversation must be two way: as much listening as talking
Timeliness – respond to current issues, be informed, be aware of current trends
Originality - Bring something unique and of value
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What are epatients looking for?
Information about their condition and disease management
Information about available treatments (efficacy, side effects, etc.)
Who is the best healthcare provider for them Real-life outcomes from “patients like me” A direct connection with their / an experienced
physician, 24/7
http://www.sa-pathways.com/new-health-consumer/the-rise-of-the-empowered-patient
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But ALWAYS remember
It’s about people
It is NOT about technology
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How to engage in this new world?
CCommitment
Connection
Content
Collaboration
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What can YOU use Social Media for?
Connect with patients / patient organisations around the world to Advocate for changes in policy Improve disease /treatment awareness among
physicians Collaborate / share experience Get recognition as professional entities with
expertise … and more
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Thank You
C. De Bie (@cdebie) is a communication professional in the healthcare industry with a strong interest in the use of social media for collaboration. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the company she works for.