Paul Wicks*, PatientsLikeMe UK, Lichfield, United Kingdom Track: Practice Presentation Topic: Web 2.0 approaches for clinical practice, clinical research, quality monitoring Presentation Type: Oral presentation Submission Type: Single Presentation Building: Mermaid Room: Main Auditorium Date: 2013-09-24 04:00 PM – 04:45 PM Last modified: 2013-09-25

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In the United States the National Health Service (NHS) is contentious. Free healthcare at the point of delivery and universal access for all have been described as the United Kingdom’s “national religion” but approaches to evidence-based service provision and equality for all are derided by some US critics as “socialist healthcare rationing” and were even lambasted during the 2008 Presidential election as containing (quite imaginary) “Death Panels”. While the idea of cheaper healthcare remains tantalizing to many in the States, particularly those on lower incomes, the “Obamacare” reforms show just how emotive the issue can be. Many in the US view the NHS as an interesting model, but perhaps one unsuited to a very different demographic and political landscape.

From the other side of the ocean, the entrepreneurial and technologically advanced nature of the US makes it a beacon for innovation for British researchers and policy-makers. Electronic medical records systems like those of the Veteran’s Administration are regularly cited as an admirable example of a successfully implemented large-scale IT project. Agile startups from Silicon Valley to Cambridge Massachusetts are highly productive and localization to European markets are highly sought after. And yet it is less clear to many in the UK that while the best healthcare in America may well be the best healthcare in the world, it is not evenly distributed and it is not cheap.

Both countries share a common language and a common set of issues; an aging population, longer lifespans, large scale immigration, pharmaceutical industries in times of business uncertainty, and economic austerity. Both countries are hoping they can innovate their way out of these challenges and both contain some of the world’s brightest minds. But how can they work together?

Over the past decade, PatientsLikeMe R&D Director Paul Wicks, PhD. has divided his time between academic research and commercial business between the United Kingdom and United States. In this presentation he will compare and contrast the differing trans-Atlantic perspectives held by patients, researchers, and healthcare provider as we enter a transformational time in digital health.