Jim Lefevere | Digital Strategy, Interactive Marketing and Connected Health Care
A tapestry of quotations, musings, aphorisms, and reflections on the intersection of digital strategy, interactive marketing and connected health care.
Pew Internet and American Life survey with some info around patient communities.
“When Americans go looking for information on health, they turn to the Internet as one of their first sources. According to a recent survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 61 percent of adults say they look online for health information. There’s a term for them: e-patients.
I obviously agree and I am very bullish on the topic. See my previous post on the topic here.
For an exhaustive review of posts, tweets and analysis go to Ignite Health's FDA SM mash-up
Suffice to say it will be interesting to see what unfolds. I saw enough yesterday and today to say that I think there will be additional disclaimer information required, 1-click to dedicated safety information and some guidelines around what is not acceptable (much easier than to govern a moving target of what is acceptable and that's not the FDA M.O. anyway).
UPDATE: Google's propoal on changes to search ads. This is a part of what I was referring to above on the 1-click.
With Web 3.0 taking root, i.e. GetGlue and Google Sidewiki, it is definitely a fun space to be in. Always changing.
As loyal readers of this blog know, I don't usually write about news or attempt to keep up with linking to daily stories. It's just too hard to keep up. However, as many of you know the FDA social media hearing started today.
I recommend that you check out live webcast coverage here and check the presentations here.
Fabio at Ignite Health set-this site up. Check it out--It's a great aggregator.
I listened to a few of the presentations and I don't want to draw any conclusions quite yet, but I was a little surprised that a few of the presenters and their anti-health information approach.
I think I heard it from Jeremiah Owyang, "stick your head in the sand and you get kicked in the butt." Very apropos.
If you want to follow the proceedings on Twitter use the hashtag #fdasm.
I am reminded of the adage that you get the behavior you reward. Via Josh at Jellyvision, he sent me links to these videos.
Behavior change is all around us and affects almost every aspect of your life. Whether you need to lose a few pounds, or start exercising, begin to eat healthier or take your medication. There are all kinds of tools, tips, reminders and apps to help you stay on course. Of course, human behavior being what it is, you're always in a constant state of developing a new habit.
I am confidant that new generations will not start (smoking) or be tied to bad habits of today and are being indoctrinated at a young age to eat healthy, conserve natural resources and be friendly to the environment ( I know I have a kindergartner).
However, for the rest of us, how can you start a new habit or break an old one? Maybe, by making it fun and enjoyable. Sounds reasonable enough and from a marketing perspective the fun factor is something that is not utilized nearly enough. I think it also meshed quite nicely with social media and the new paradigm for reaching people and that is to provide value, value value and also make it kind of fun.
This is especially true to Rx/Dx companies. Wouldn't you rather do something fun rather than "comply" or "adhere?"
Here are a couple of videos of how a Swiss firm put that notion to the test.
I really like the approach Microsoft is taking with HealthVault marketing. It's organic, social and not profit focused. However, I am still skeptical, as I have chronicled in the past, about how they much critical mass they can drive at this stage in the game. I think they may be taking the "do nothing is not a strategy" approach, but I also think it is very, very early in the marathon.
We can talk health care reform until the cows come home, but there will need to be a confluence of events as older generations move on, current Xer's and Millenials enact change and younger and future generations come up with new behavior instilled. I realize that is a very macro perspective, but frankly history tells us that change is very hard and for many impossible.
Welcome to The Interactive Marketer. You'll find insights, analysis and punditry related to digital strategy, interactive marketing, connected health, and the future of marketing. If it is an opinion you seek, an opinion you will find.
I may veer off course occasionally to discuss my other interests, including: ND football, IU basketball, food, travel and my family
If you'd like to contact me for networking, consulting, unabashed opinions or lively debate, please email jim[at]jlefevere dot com.
Marketing and technology professional with expertise in leading, championing and implementing strategic marketing plans. Focused on consumer, interactive and traditional channel development in consumer goods, health care and medical device businesses.
Rich experience in digital strategy, interactive marketing, and leading integrated marketing programs and product launches globally in markets spanning North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific.
Jim Lefevere works for a Fortune 100 health care organization. The views expressed on this blog are his personal opinion and do not necessarily reflect the views of his employer.
