At the Pew Research Center we call it “peer-to-peer health care” and measure it with national survey data:
- 24% of U.S. adults got information or support from others who have the same health condition the last time they had a significant health issue.
Caregivers and those living with chronic conditions are more likely than other adults to seek peer advice and support.
It can happen online or offline, via email, phone, or on a message board. It can feel very basic, even ancient.
I bet you’ve seen it in the wild, if not in your own life:
- A reddit thread turns into an insulin pump tip swap (search for “diabetes”)
- Two moms chatting on Facebook prevent a hospitalization.
- People hack everyday objects to create assistive devices, then share their hacks with others.