Monday 6 October 2014

Facebook 'considering' new online health communities and apps

Social network is reportedly exploring healthcare options


like-pillLong a destination for health discussions, Facebook is now reportedly considering setting up its own therapy area-based patient support communities.


The social network is also investigating the possibility of creating its own range of ‘preventative care’ applications, according to a report by Reuters.


Sources told the news agency that Facebook has held a number of meetings with medical industry experts and entrepreneurs over the last couple of months and is setting up a research and development unit to test new health apps.


But the plans, which could see it challenge established online patient communities like PatientsLikeMe and HealthUnlocked and mark a major new entrant to the crowded health app space, are “still in the idea-gathering stage”, Reuters said.


Meanwhile, Facebook has picked a wide range of consumer executives – some with healthcare interests – to sit on its new EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Client Council.


Alongside Reckitt Benckiser’s executive VP for Europe and North America Rob Degroot and Sophie Blum – CEO at Procter & Gamble Israel, will be representatives of companies such as NestlĂ©, Unilever, Red Bull, BMW, Samsung  and Disney.


Facebook said the Council would help it better serve its advertisers in the region and act as a forum for the sharing of ideas about the future of marketing.


Source PMLive http://www.pmlive.com/blogs/digital_intelligence/archive/2014/october/facebook_considering_new_online_health_communities_and_apps




Facebook 'considering' new online health communities and apps

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