This breakout brought together 5 companies focused on ending the isolation so many experience alongside illness. These online patient communities use layers of data analytics to draw together patients with similar conditions, which in turn creates not only new friendships, but also the space to discuss and find alternative drug and treatment information.

This session demonstrated how patient centered tools, technologies and design are helping patients take control over their health for better outcomes and communication with providers. Leaders in the patient movement, Maria Gjerpe and Charlie Young addressed the audience with their research and work in the field of patient empowerment and shared their stories of successfully engaging the health care system as a patient.

Michel Silva Demoed Esperity, an online platform for cancer patients that connects cancer patients of similar conditions, allow patients to schedule medication and follow their adherence, and track medication interaction and drug side effects. The program is designed to engage patients cancer experience and inspire discussion and communication between patients of similar illnesses.