Information Therapy Conference 2006

Click here for the PowerPoint Presentations from the 2006 Ix Conference

2006 Ix Conference Report: Catalysts for Innovation

Gandhi was right…

"First they ignore you
Then they laugh at you
Then they fight you
Then you win"

The 5th annual Ix conference included compelling presentations that addressed each one of these phases of seismic change. National Business Coalition on Health President Andy Webber talked of "turning information into action" and recognized that the people at the conference were not just "deep thinkers, but also the doers."

Conference sessions covered a diverse range of perspectives, ranging from consumers to clinicians, purchasers to health plans, and technology to health education. Several consumers shared their experiences trying to get the information they needed to make informed decisions. Deborah Bell, an ovarian cancer survivor who runs a listserv for others with ovarian cancer, remarked about the need for consumer-clinician shared decision making, "When your life is at stake, this has to be a partnership."

Physicians also realize that Ix has huge stakes for them as well. After his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, pediatrician and founder of DrGreene.com Alan Greene developed a renewed commitment to prescribing information along with the delivery of care. Greene, now also Chief Medical Officer of ADAM, and his wife agree that, "Information therapy is the most important thing I'm doing in my life."

Clinician researchers also provided a framework for widespread care delivery improvement. Massachusetts General Hospital Chief of General Medicine, Al Mulley suggested that promotion of Ix and ideal care would be possible if the delivery system followed "three simple rules: give people the care they want and no more; no fateful decisions should be made in the face of avoidable ignorance; and reward personalization of care."

Sessions also tackled the nitty-gritty details that present challenges to ubiquitous Ix adoption—everything from ignoring you, laughing at you, and fighting you. Healthwise Founder, Chairman & CEO, Don Kemper provided a model for how to think about "health care heroes of the 21st century." Like sanitary drinking water and seat belts in cars, changing the infrastructure can result in healthy behaviors and saving lives. Making Ix part of standard care will be what ultimately helps the "average person" become informed, engaged and healthy.

For links to the 2006 Ix Conference presentations and bios, please click here.

Join us in Park City, UT, for next year's exciting Ix Conference: October 8-10, 2007.