The positive and negative attributes of digital health platforms

The internet provides a major source of exchanging health information through online portals and new media. Internet users can access health sites and online forums to obtain health information. In turn, these information sources act as a catalyst for wellbeing and improving personal health care behaviors and routines. Competent health institutions encourage the development of these individual behaviors that enable individuals to increase health empowerment and to take responsibility for their own health needs, diagnosis and treatment.

Online Health Forums and Services: Benefits, Risks and Perspectives

is an investigation of the use of online health forums and services. The author first introduces the reader to the theories that define online social behaviors in terms of health care services. The chapters following this introduction attempt to account for the variations in online health care portal use and to what extent does social networking induce variations in health behaviors grounded in theory. A summary of media used for affecting health behavior change is also provided along with a discussion of the socioeconomic attributes of the individuals most likely to be affected in terms of their health behaviors.

The book provides a comprehensive perspective that links the aspects of the micro-level use of the Internet for health purposes (accessing health related websites, participation in health forums and networking sites) to the macro level practices of telemedicine. Readers will be able to understand the social and health characteristics of the different groups of patients and estimate the extent to which individuals in need of health and medical information are taking advantage of the availability of information and communication platforms to improve their health, or if they are being left behind. This is a timely reference for healthcare professionals, researchers and consultants involved in digital health care initiatives and public health administration who are seeking information about how access to online health information can influence lifestyles in a way that impacts human behavior in a positive, meaningful way.

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About the Authors

Professor Rita Mano received her PhD from the Polytechnic Institute of Israel, Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management, in 1995. She currently engages in a wide range of studies in mHealth, e- Health, and nonprofit management studies. Her research has been funded by Maccabi Health Services (2011) and Israel Society Foundation (2016). Professor Rita Mano regularly publishes in leading social sciences, technology, and health journals, including

Health Expectations

,

Social Science and Medicine

,

Computers in Human Behavior

, and

Human Relations

. Professor Rita Mano has published three books on the following: (1) Complexity of Management in human services, (2) Nonprofit organizations in Israel, and (3) eHealth, mHealth, and the self-management of health concerns (forthcoming). Professor Mano serves as a member of the Editorial Boards in several journals related to health and human services. Professor Rita Mano currently serves as the Head of Department in Human Services for a second term.

Keywords:

online health forums, telemedicine, health care services, digital health care, public health administration, online social behaviors, health empowerment, medical information

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