The site is aimed at centralising these individual perspectives, helping consumers to quickly identify the most relevant and useful information for any given situation. Oversight by an advisory board of patients and medical experts ensures content accuracy.
"The Parkinson's community is highly motivated, frequently turning to the Internet as an outlet for support and information once they or a loved one have been diagnosed," said Dr Neal Hermanowicz, a member of the Parkinson's Disease Blog Network advisory board and professor in the department of neurology and director of the Movement Disorders Program at the University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine. "The Parkinson's Disease Blog Network provides a reliable, centralised online source for those pressed for time or limited by access or ability."
The Parkinson's Disease Blog Network was developed and is maintained by Incendia Health Studios, an inVentiv Health company. It has been designed to serve as a real-time, virtual Parkinson's disease discussion and community forum, allowing users to exchange information and thoughts on topics ranging from symptoms to diet and treatment. All blogs registered on the network are listed with a brief descriptor and assigned to one of three categories: resource, medical or personal. Each includes a space for user comments, a five-point rating scale and also tracks the number of "views". This allows the blogs found to be the most useful to be most prominently featured.
Kate Kelsall, author of the site's top-rated blog, Shake, Rattle and Roll, explains, "Many of us with Parkinson's disease feel isolated and lonely. Even after diagnosis, we are scared of what lies ahead. Connecting online with others who have the same disease can be reassuring. By sharing hopes and providing support for each other, we find commonality and realize we are not alone."
Support for the development of the Parkinson's Disease Blog Network was provided by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International. To learn more or register your blog, visit www.parkinsonsblognetwork.com.
Source: eMediaWire.com
