'Web 2.0 in the health sector' report released

04/06/2008

A study into the use of Web 2.0 in the health sector has been released by E-Health Insider, showing trends which suggest major changes are coming in the way that health services are consumed in the UK and across the globe.

Although it cites major brands, such as Microsoft, Google and the NHS, as the headline makers, the research also implies that many of the most innovative developments are from small start-up pioneers.

The study pronounces the US to be the major pioneer but says that the UK and Europe are swiftly catching up, and in spite of the health industry being slow on the uptake of Web 2.0 applications, things are set to change.

E-Health insider said: "health is a service-based industry, which has been slow to digitise, but is now experiencing a dramatic shift in how information - ranging from official clinical outcomes data to users' perceptions of services - is originated, handled and used.

"Today's consumers want the right information, at the right time, with minimal effort."

The study says those who tap into the potential of the technology early will be in a good position to interact with patients more efficiently and innovatively, giving a jump on the competition.