Spring Fling: San Diego 2008

An unconference is a meeting where the participants drive the activity. There’s no set agenda, no set presentations, but a series of discussions that people leave and join as they see fit. The unconference at Health 2.0 San Francisco was one of the most popular features of the day. The audience asked for it, so in San Diego we had an unconference the afternoon before the main meeting.

In a first for Health 2.0, we had a longer format deep dive demonstration in which a Health 2.0 company showed its technology, discussed its business, and introduced itself to the community. This very successful Deep Dive was the first time that American Well demoed its product in public–and CEO Roy Schoenberg didn’t escape from the room until 6pm!

Health 2.0 had a fabulous “night out” party on the rooftop at the recently renovated and highly swank Hotel Ivy on Monday March 3.

At the Fall event, we heard from vendors providing social communities and media for patients. But what about patients who are using those tools and communities? What are their experiences? How do they fit Health2.0 into their lives? And for those who are new to Health2.0. What works? What helps? And what doesn’t? Come meet patients and consumers up close, and see them interact with the tools provided by leading Health 2.0 companies.

The panel opened with a video segment featuring patient experiences using Health 2.0 communities and tools within the context of their lives.

Some of the physicians and medical groups who are using Web 2.0 to connect with their patients will show us how they’re doing it. We’ll see case studies showing patients’ and physicians’ experiences as they use technology to transform their practice. And we’ll ask the tough questions. Does this change the patient experience? And if so, is it an improvement?
The panel opened with a video segment featuring patient experiences using Health 2.0 communities and tools within the context of their lives.

- Health 2.0 tools in the physician’s office
- Communicating with the physician
- Online treatment
- Information and ongoing support from physicians

At lunch on March 4 we did something very special. IDEO, the famous design firm, ran a “Designing Health 2.0” lunch. Attendees worked in groups to create a Health 2.0 solution to the problem of device used for diabetes. We put this session on to answer the strong call from the last conference for more about user-centered design.

It’s not just patients and physicians interacting in the health care system. Employers, benefit managers, and health plans are exploring various means of connecting with members online. We looked at real examples of HR professionals, health plan members and ordinary consumers using new tools and technologies to change their experiences. We heard about uses of the web and automated mobile and voice solutions to keep consumers healthy and engaged, and in the management of those needing more intensive interventions.