Study Finds Social Tools Enhance Online Health Programs

[Lauren Backstrom]

In a recent study out of the University of Michigan, it was found that by adding an online community social element to an online health program, in this case an Internet-based walking program, the number of participants who disengaged was reduced dramatically.

The results showed that 79% of participants who used the online forums to motivate each other, completed the 16 week program, compared to only 66% who completed it from the group who did not utilize the social tool. The findings will be published later this month but show how powerful social media and community tools can be to improving online health programs. By even helping a small number of people to stay motivated, major positive health benefits can be seen as well as significant system-wide cost savings realized.

Caroline Richardson, M.D, from U-M, says, “There are people who know what they want – help losing weight, sleeping through the night, improving their diet – but they don’t have guidance. They don’t have the necessary behavioral skills or support that will allow them to be successful. That’s where these types of programs fit in.”

The downside of many of these online programs is attrition, so by adding social media components, these programs can become much more motivating for users. This study's findings are very positive and provide proof that by making simple changes or additions to existing health programs, they can go on to benefit a much larger group of people.

Do you agree, would a social community help you to stay motivated to stick with a health program?

[Anna Gueldenhaupt]

What great insight, I think a social community can certainly go a long way in helping you stick to the goals you've set out for yourself. It's especially useful, I think, if you're a little bit shy about your weight loss, for example. As it not only gives you someone to talk to about it, but also means that you don't have to reveal too much about yourself.