The Disruptive Women are ready to be disruptive again.
An online advocacy group of more than 100 women, Disruptive Women in Health Care has been a part of the mHealth Summit since its inception some seven years ago, combining an education session with a highly anticipated evening social that focuses on networking and "substantive idea-sharing," according to founder, president and CEO Robin Strongin.
And while once again celebrating some of the top female movers and shakers in the healthcare universe at the 2015 mHealth Summit, the group also wants to shine the light on populations who aren't able to benefit fully from mHealth technology – minorities, veterans struggling with behavioral health issues, the LGBT community and those with chronic conditions like epilepsy and cystic fibrosis.
[Learn more about the 2015 mHealth Summit.]
"We hear a lot about the power of technology, patient empowerment and connected communities," the group says in a prepared introduction to the session. "How can we possibly be successful in improving the health and well-being of people if there are those among us who - for many reasons - are unable, unsure or too afraid to ask for help? Can technology, thoughtfully combined with humanity, provide a safe pathway to access help, free from stigma and judgment?"
"We're very concerned about getting everyone to benefit from the power of digital healthcare," says Strongin, a Washington D.C.-based public affairs executive. She says mHealth technology could be better used to reach populations who don't regularly access healthcare for one reason or another, be it economic, cultural or social, empowering them to improve their lifestyles.
"We hear a lot of talk about patient engagement, a lot of rhetoric, but no real action," she says. "We need to stay focused, to reach out to people who can't engage for one reason or another. A lot of it comes down to, are we really providing activation for these people?"
Called "Igniting DIGNITY through DIGITAL Health - Connecting All People to Community," the education session takes place from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 in National Harbor 4-5. Immediately after, the group will move to the Pose Ultra Lounge for a celebration and networking reception.
As in past years, the session will also feature several "disruptive women" who have led the push to make mHealth a priority across the globe. The scheduled speakers are Strongin, Lesley-Anne Long, global director of mPowering Frontline Health Workers; Rachel Butler of SocialWellth; Santi Bhagat, founder of Physician Parent Caregivers; and Nancy Green, healthcare global lead at Verizon. The group will then identify their "Disruptive Women to Watch" in 2016.
For more information on the mHealth Summit, visit the Connected Health Conference website.
