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by Tony Chen
There has been a lot of debate around whether these new online social communities are really value-add or just hype. I've been pondering that same question about the Hospital Impact Social Network that was started a few months ago. Frankly, I've been debating with myself on whether to pull the plug on it all together, as the conversations have been sparse.
But little did I know that this little social network was really what planted the seed that has grown up to the first Healthcare 2.0 unconference in the Netherlands. Read the thread here on how it all happened.
This is a great example of how these online connections turn into offline face-to-face "real" friends and connections. Online communities by themselves probably aren't worth too much. But when used correctly and intently, they can facilitate real-life meet-ups that otherwise may not have happened. Hats off to Jen, Maarten, and Martin for taking the initiative to reach out.
I wonder if this has implications for "patient" online communities as well. It's nice to chat/listen with others who face the same struggles with disease as you. But maybe the real value is for these communities to become localized. Online + offline. This may be where progressive hospitals can really add value.
Safety TipHospital facilities built today do not include asbestos, but many older buildings still have asbestos components in them. Steam pipes, boilers and furnace ducts were often insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape because of their fireproof and insulating properties. Resilient floor tiles were made from vinyl asbestos. Asbestos cement was employed in roofing, shingles and siding materials. The hazard of this carcinogen increases when the fibers become airborne, and untrained contractors can inadvertently increase risks by cutting, tearing, sawing, scraping, or sanding asbestos materials. Elevated asbestos levels can occur in hospitals where old materials are damaged or disturbed. It is best to leave undamaged asbestos material alone if it is not likely to be disturbed. Inhaling asbestos fibers is known to cause mesothelioma and other diseases. Be sure to use an experienced asbestos removal contractor when you need to get rid of old materials that might contain asbestos. |