The Decision Tree: A Conversation with Thomas Goetz and Susannah Fox
The information is out there, but who can understand what it means — to them? Health data abounds, but most of us don’t know how to use that information to make decisions that will positively impact our health outcomes.
In The Decision Tree, Wired’s Executive Editor, Thomas Goetz, proposes a new approach. He suggests that giving people tools to actively engage with their health and make better decisions at the right opportunity will lead to dramatic improvements in their health, and in their lives.
It’s an approach that resonates with the team at DDB Issues & Advocacy. Our work is focused on trying to create the best user experience — an experience that eliminates or diminishes the obstacles to creating positive social and policy change. We want to give users the information, the tools, the encouragement to do what is right.
So, because we love the thinking behind The Decision Tree, we proposed to Thomas that we co-host, along with the Pew Internet & American Life Project, a discussion between him and Susannah Fox, Pew’s resident expert on how people use the Internet to gather and use health information.
The conversation — hosted at Pew’s offices in Washington, DC — brought together members of the media, think tank staff, staff from the Department of Health and Human Services, patient advocates and others, and spilled online via a video stream and live tweeting.