Diabetes Social Networking App for American Indians
Abstract
Chronic disease effects health and quality of living largely. Social networking can initiate the onset of pathology and serve as direct cause for several chronic and non-communicable diseases. Technology has the potential to create true collaborative care among multiple providers in healthcare systems and social media can serve as virtual office. Social networks can be used to build relationships between patients and their families to extend health care and support beyond traditional points of service like hospitals, clinics to the home, schools, communities. Social networks can be used to reach patients and providers to gather information and leverage collaboration between them. Many patients who research about their health conditions are also likely in search of their fellow patients with same conditions, to discuss their health, gather knowledge and support before making their healthcare decisions. With all this advantages, social networks can be used as a gateway to chronic disease care.