mHIMSS January 'tweet up' recap

This month's #mhimss tweet up focused on consumer engagement tips from mHIMSS volunteer member, Sam Stern @mhealthmarketer. Today's discussion presented four key questions. Here are some of the responses and insights tweeted from engaged #mhimss Twitter followers.

Question 1:  How are patients accessing health information, and what makes mobile access easier?

A1 When it comes to mobile health information seeking, search andweb browsing are more used than apps. #mhimssSam Stern

A1: Smartphones are a key enabler to patient/consumer engagement in their own h/c #mHIMSSDavid Collins

Apps are not being used by the consumer because they are not fully intigrated with the EMR's. Blue Button will change that soon. #mhimssJonathan Levoy

@mHealthMarketer For us, we've now had 8 mill consumers using our app to look up symptoms, procedures, medications & find providers. #mHIMSSiTriage

Question 2: How will Social Influence play a role in engagement and compliance?

Social influence will be significant this media channel becomes widely accepted beyond younger generation #mHimssPat Wise

A2: Patients are increasingly turning to technology to seek and acquire #health information. Word of mouth is now online. #mhimssTom Martin

Social media is a great vehicle for gaming and encouraging healthier lifestyles. #mHIMSSTim Castallo

Efficient medical apps allow the patient to track themselves and lead healthier lifestyles through information #mHIMSSWendelyn Bradley

Question 3: What sort of strategic goals should an organization set for engagement?

A3 Start with mobile strategy first, then move to your web strategy. #mHimssSam Stern

Adaptive technologies that adjust to patient demographics and medical conditions #mHIMSSWendelyn Bradley

A3: Be sure to set expectations w/patients, understand potential and limitations as part of overall policy #mHIMSSDavid Collins

@tommartin3 We need to engage the consumer/patient from both cognitive and non-cognitive (emotional) perspectives #mhimssPaul Seville, MD

@PaulSevilleMD how can organizations create tactics on this? #mhimssTom Martin

@tommartin3 Transparency! Healthcare should not be a black box - ie patients should have easier access to their medical records #mhimssPaul Seville, MD

Question 4: Deep access to health information is still a challenge; will more access help or hurt?

A4: Greatest challenge is sifting through the noise! Finding the most relevant and useful h/c info key #mHIMSSDavid Collins

@tommartin3 Overall help because information is empowerment. #mhimssPaul Seville, MD

@tommartin3 Furthermore, if we focus on prevention, then the focus won't be on prognosis, which can scare consumers #mhimssPaul Seville, MD

RT @mhimss: Thanks everyone for joining the #mhimss digital media taskforce chat! Enjoy the weekend^TMTom Martin