Mal’s Musings: Why Google Health is a step too far
The social media revolution may be great, but it's not always right when it comes to healthcare
By on Jul 12, 2011If you listen to certain sections of the media, the world has gone social, totally digital, and lives online.
While this is somewhat true, the fast paced change has not settled yet. We have caught the bug, and the success of organizations like Google, Twitter and Facebook (to name a few) provides ample evidence that we are witnessing a significant shift.
Incredibly, in just over a decade, the world has changed beyond recognition. The impact and consequences of some of these changes are poorly understood.
Nonetheless, most are betting on a lot more of what we have and refuting a halt to the social online revolution.
At this point, I remember a thought an experienced executive, Bill Winston, shared with me recently about his observation from over a quarter of a century in the healthcare sector: "Everything changes; nothing is impossible."
Healthcare may prove to be a stumbling block for the social revolution.
The world has changed, but it will continue to change and may even reverse or adapt some of the changes that have already been adopted.
We live in a world where we want to share as much information as possible, as quickly as possible. Ideally, we want to share our information with as many people as possible in our new connected world.
Will this phenomena transfer to healthcare context?
Our ‘no limits' tendencies are being tempered by security, confidentiality and safety when it comes to healthcare.
These are not the kind of characteristics that go easily with the carefree attitude that has helped us to embrace the social revolution at record pace.
Google Health is one that looks like a nut too hard to crack, as the venture is being brought to a rapid conclusion.
The worrying experience of some Sony customers with breached data has reminded us all why speed and accessibility are sometimes not a big enough prize where health is concerned.
So, despite the fact that trust in healthcare resources has increased by 44% in the last couple of years and over 70% of patients do online research before and after seeing their doctor, health information online is a step too far.
There is a danger of getting carried away with super-fast adoption and a trend that appears irreversible.
The underlying drivers are clear and the solutions we have today are by no means permanent. Therefore, it is important that we focus on the drivers rather than the tools or products.
It is right for Google to spread its wings and engage with the healthcare market.
However, there are limits to our adoption of online applications.
Google Health is second-generation digital revolution, ahead of its time, a great example of a product that's needed but customers are not ready for it yet.
The issue is that heath means ethics, proper ethics. The stakes are high. This time its different. It's personal!
For an alternative take on healthcare and social media, see What Google+ means for pharma.