Blog-based applications and health information: Two case studies that illustrate important questions for Consumer Health Informatics (CHI) research

Weblogs (blogs), together with podcasts and wikis are part of the larger body of next-generation communication applications dubbed “web 2.0.” Within the specific area of health care, little attention has been devoted to understanding what applications are available to the lay public and how these are being used. In this study, a literature review on blogs and blogging practices was conducted, followed by case study analyses of two separate sites that use blogging tools to help patients and other lay web end-users record health-related experiences. This paper explores the diverse purposes for which blogging applications can be (or are being) used in relation to health and introduces the idea of “health goal-oriented” blogging. The discussion focuses on relevant informatics questions that arise with respect to the use of blogs and makes suggestions for subsequent research.