I came across an interesting article a few days ago concerning Google health. Even though one of my primary career interests is Informatics, I have not jumped on the Google health website though I heard of it. Google Health has been out for two and a half years but has not gained the popularity that the creators were hoping for. This is how google.com describes what Google health is: “Google believes you should have easy access to your own health information - anytime, anywhere. With a Google Health account, you can store, manage and share all of your health and wellness information in one central place. It’s available from Google at no charge. All you need is a username and password to get started.”
Interested Segment of Population
Based on the information provided in the article “Google Health relaunches, targets wellness audience”, what Google analysts noticed with the original version of software is that the primary audience of this tool were individuals who were very sick or relatives and caregivers who took care of very ill people. The Google software offered these individuals ability to track their “Personal Health Record” in one spot by having ability to import, enter and export relevant medical data.
Google’s vision to attract “healthy” users
Google has revamped the Google health interface to attract an audience who is not going to the doctor on regular basis to treat serious conditions, but an audience who is health conscious. The new tool is designed for users who want to set and track their health goals in one spot using an easy to navigate interface. The tool offers functionality such as tracking your workouts, weight loss, cholesterol level and etc… In addition, it integrates with devices such as FitBit and SmartPhone. Moreover, the interface provides a wealth of information and links concerning various health topics and is also highly customizable.
Health Reform and Electronic medical records
With the Health Reform calling for consumers to be more involved in the choices they make about health insurance, providers and etc…, it is very beneficial for Americans to have information about their health at their finger tips and in one location. The question is, do they want it? Moreover, Obama legislation is calling for all the medical providers to convert to Electronic medical records as soon as possible so an idea of a Personal Health Record that Google came up with is a very appropriate and timely concept.
In conclusion
I think Google Health is a wonderful idea, but until consumers see a tangible benefit for analyzing their health data, this tool may not gain as much popularity as Google marketers are hoping for. I think more education, advertising, support from the government and medical providers is required for this tool to get the momentum it deserves. What do you think?
To read the full article, please go to: http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/google-health-relaunches-targets-wellness-audience
Sound interesting. I will check it out, but how can I be certain that my privacy is kept?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Efrat. Google has an extensive privacy policy under http://www.google.com/intl/en-US/health/privacy.html. As you will see, there are a few paragraphs in that policy about HIPAA, the law I mentioned in my class post for this week. As I described in my post, the law has become even stricter under President Obama and all entities and business associates handling PHI data are covered under the HIPAA regulations and can be prosecuted. Before it was limited to certain entities such as hospitals and doctors’ offices. Google falls under that category of other entities and would have a huge law suit if your PHI data ever got into the wrong hands.
ReplyDelete