Sramana Mitra: The situation that scares me a bit is a “blind leading the blind” situation. Dan Hickey: That view doesn’t give the consumer enough credit. In survey after survey, consumers say that their doctors are their most trusted people in their health ecosystem. Expert advice would be next to that, and peers come in
Sramana Mitra: I am talking about doctors helping in that engagement process. I think doctors have the issue of prescribing something to the patient, but the patient doesn’t do what has been prescribed. Then the doctor can’t help. Dan Hickey: That is right. I heard an example the other day where a doctor said, “When
Sramana Mitra: When you look at what happens in the industry, mobile, social, and technology in general are impacting the healthcare industry in a big way. What are some of the key trends you observe? Dan Hickey: I think it is the big push in healthcare right now. It is being done in a very
Sramana Mitra: What do you make people do? Somebody who is depressed, is that person engaging? Dan Hickey: They are engaging with others. They are sharing stories, motivating each other, helping each other, etc. Empathy in communities goes a long way.
Sramana Mitra: Let’s switch to the other side of the equation – to the consumers. In your networks, what are the behaviors of the consumers? What are they doing there? Dan Hickey: Some of our consumers are in a discovery mode, where they are looking at information around symptoms and early diagnosis, or troubleshooting issues
Sramana Mitra: Is it the American audience you are catering to? Dan Hickey: Yes. It is mostly the U.S. at this time. SM: And how big is the company? DH: We are a $30 million-plus business.
Dan Hickey is the senior vice president of products at Alliance Health, a social networking company that provides a community platform for people with health conditions. Dan has almost 17 years of experience in digital media, having worked for AOL and Meredith Corporation. In this interview he talks about how people are able connect with