Health 2.0: Using web 2.0 technologies to promote Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)

The growth of the Internet and Web 2.0 technologies have created significant changes in every science and industry, especially in medical science and healthcare industries. Web 2.0 tools allow users to interact and collaborate with each other through social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community. Social media also creates societies and nets based on socialization and participation. Web 2.0 technologies offer patients opportunities to be more involved in the management of their own healthcare. The use of web 2.0 technologies in the medical arena, is recognized as Health 2.0. Uses include communicating with the community and patients; enhancing organizational visibility; receiving news about activities, and fund-raising; providing a channel for patient resources and education; and providing customer service and support. Health 2.0 has become a growing field in which health professionals and health consumers create and seek information. Health 2.0 provides a platform for the transformation of health care and work flow through information systems and computer-based decision making that improve access to information and increase collaboration between patients and doctors. Health 2.0 can also improve care integration/management, cost-efficiency and also quality of care/life.

Keywords:

Web 2.0 , Social Media , Health 2.0 , Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)