This is a proposal to create an on-line user health record targeted at people with thyroid disorders. The goal of is to improve the quality of life of people with thyroid disorders through improved treatment and faster return to health. Patients will be able to record symptoms, labs tests and medication on the website. This will enable patients to assess their progress against other patients’ progess and share their progress with their health provider. Patients and doctors to fine tune the dose of medication based on patient symptoms rather than lab tests. Another feature of the database will permit patients to compare their symptoms, rate of recovery, quality of life and health status to others using standardised questionnaires and scores. The benefits of using thyroid disorders for this project are
•The potential tap into an audience with wide spread dissatisfaction with treatment.
•A large number of potential users due to the prevalence of thyroid disorders
•A growing body of research on thyroid disorders, quality of life and on-line health support tools.
•The potential to the improved the quality of life for significant number of people with thyroid disorders in the prime of life.
•The potential to be replicated with other chronic diseases. Patient data could be used for research if confidentiality issues are addressed.
This proposal is intended to build on the concept of Expert Patient and the movement of consumer managed health care under the umbrella of Health 2.0. Three web sites captures the essence of this proposed project: Springely.com and Organized Wisdom which are both beta versions and Patients Like Me.

Most main stream health care organizations do not consider this sort of activity within their core programs. There is potential for cost recovery by charging a small subscription to consumers or selling institutional subscriptions to health care organizations or groups practices.

This dream gift helps support