A Richmond-based expert on arthritis is lauding the benefits of digital media in helping patients cope with their chronic condition.
Dr. Anne Townsend of the Milan Ilich Arthritis Research Centre in Richmond, whos also a medical sociologist at the University of B.C. said patients using digital media to research their disease are much more informed and engaged than ever before.
And with today (Friday) being World Arthritis Day, the Milan Ilich centre is hosting an open debate next week in Vancouver on the role of digital media in the transformation of health care for patients suffering from arthritis or chronic pain.
The centre aims to gather patients, health care providers and others to share their valuable experiences.
Patients have changed markedly due to digital media, according to Townsend, a speaker at the event.
Townsend said patients often educate themselves through the Internet. In fact, almost three out of four Canadians turn to the web for medical or health related research, she added.
To improve the delivery of trustworthy and user-friendly information for patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Linda Li assistant professor in the department of physical therapy at UBC and also a speaker at the event has developed ANSWER, an interactive online tool.
Through cartoons and stories, the tool enables patients to make informed and timely decisions about their treatment.
As a result of such independent searches, they have things to talk about once theyre in the consultation room, said Townsend.
Instead of just following doctors orders, shared decision making has become more of a reality.
Patients involved in such decision-making processes are also more likely to stay on their medication, she recounted.
Another opportunity emerging through the Internet is the exchange of knowledge and experiences, according to Townsend.
By turning to blogs and Twitter, patients are participating in conversations with each other, doctors and health policy makers. The Internet has given them a voice, she said.
Also, patients have used the Internet to get a quicker diagnosis, taking the information to their family doctor who hadnt recognized their symptoms before, Townsends research revealed.
Nevertheless, digital media pose challenges for health care, too.
The amount of information available is difficult to manage. Patients run the risk of being misinformed with sources not always being credible, she warned.
Whats more, conflicts could emerge in the relationship between doctors and their patients. Privacy can be an problem when a patient wants to befriend the doctor on Facebook or when the doctor enters a patients personal blog story, she said.
The debate will be held Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at W2 Media Café. It can also be followed online: www.livestream.com/w2media or via Twitter: #WiredCafe. For more information, go to www.arthritisresearch.ca.
