Game Changer

In an attempt to understand new technology based opportunities to improve health outcomes, we would do well to understand new data regarding teen use of technology. According to Harris Interactive, nearly half (47%) of US teens say their social life would end or be worsened without their cell phone, and nearly six in 10 (57%) credit their mobile device with improving their life, according to a national survey from CTIA and Harris Interactive. Second only to clothing, teens say, a person’s cell phone tells the most about their social status or popularity, outranking jewelry, watches and shoes. More than half of the respondents (52%) agree that the cell phone has become a new form of entertainment. 80% say their cell phone provides a sense of security while on the go, confirming that the cell phone has become their mobile safety net when needing a ride (79%), getting important information (51%), or just helping out someone in trouble (35%). The study also confirmed that texting is replacing talking among teens. Teens admitted spending nearly an equal amount of time talking as they do texting each month. Teens say texting has advantages over talking because it offers more options, including multitasking, speed, the option to avoid verbal communication, and because it is fun - in that order, according to the study. Nearly 42% of teens say they can text blindfolded (Blexting)! In the future teens say they want cell phones that break boundaries and are personalized to fit their lifestyles. Ideal mobile devices would feature five applications - phone, MP3 player, GPS, laptop computer and video player, according to Harris. Among adult health seekers, this reliance on technology seems to remain. According to Manhattan Research, the average patient in the US now relies on a variety of media and resources to research disease, treatment, and general health information. Perhaps more importantly, the most recent data reveals that the internet has surpassed physicians as the most popular health resource, for the first time ever. While many in the healthcare field may see this as a major problem, there is significant opportunity for new forms of patient education tools and resources that may be much more effective that those that are in current use. If effective, these tools may not only increase awareness and health knowledge, but also help to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities by facilitating healthy behaviors among patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to access a physician or healthcare provider. In fact, this potential “game changer” puts a whole new meaning into the phrase “access to care”.

Jefferson School of Health Policy

Guest Commentary: Reducing Health Care Disparities Through HIT
written by JSPH at Thursday, May 6, 2010
M. Chris Gibbons, MD, MPH
Associate Director, Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute
Assistant Professor, Public Health and Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions


Over the past decade a rapidly expanding body of literature has demonstrated the existence of disparities in health and health care. While consensus has not emerged regarding the causes of disparities, they are generally thought to be related to sociocultural, behavioral, economic, environmental, biologic, or societal factors.

To effectively address disparities, several authorities have suggested the need for greater information technology research and investments. As information technology plays an ever-increasing role in Americans' economic and social lives, the potential health implications of these findings need to be more clearly evaluated because the prospect that some people will be left behind in the information age could leave some groups less able to take advantage of cutting edge innovations and thereby increase rather than decrease disparities.

Recent advances in the computer sciences and information technology fields have spawned several methodological advances in the biological and molecular sciences. In like manner, the behavioral and population sciences may be on the verge of a similar information technology–based scientific revolution. New eHealth solutions may soon permit the real-time integrative utilization of vast amounts of behavioral-, biological-, and community-level information in ways not previously possible. Technology may also function as an interventional agent to help treat disease and address disparities, not just as an analytic agent to enhance our understanding. As such, we may one day be able to deliver high quality care to anybody, anytime, anywhere, and significantly reduce or even eliminate disparities in the process.

To access a podcast of Dr. Gibbon's recent presentation at the Jefferson School of Population Health, please visit the following link and click on the 'download' button on the right side of the page: http://jdc.jefferson.edu/hpforum/46/