PatientsLikeMe

PatientsLikeMe is an online platform that allows patients to share their health data to track their progress, compare their experiences with others, and learn more about their condition. The platform was founded in 2004 by three MIT engineers: Jamie Heywood, Ben Heywood, and Jeff Cole. The idea was inspired by their brother and friend Stephen Heywood, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in 1999.

History

PatientsLikeMe was launched in 2006, initially focusing on patients with ALS. The platform quickly expanded to include other conditions, and by 2011, it had over 100,000 members sharing data on more than 500 conditions. In 2017, PatientsLikeMe was acquired by UnitedHealth Group, a diversified health and well-being company.

Functionality

PatientsLikeMe allows users to create a health profile where they can track their condition over time, share their experiences, and connect with others who have the same condition. The platform also provides tools for users to track their symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. The data shared on the platform is used for research to improve patient care and develop new treatments.

Impact

PatientsLikeMe has been recognized for its innovative approach to patient care and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN. The platform has also been used in several research studies, demonstrating the potential of patient-reported data in improving healthcare.

Criticism

While PatientsLikeMe has been praised for its innovative approach, it has also faced criticism. Some have raised concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of patient data. The company has stated that it takes privacy seriously and has measures in place to protect user data.

See Also

• Health 2.0
• Electronic health record
• Personal health record
• Patient portal

References

PatientsLikeMe Resources
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