How can we create connections in a place that does not always lend itself to them? Where illness is omnipresent? How can we ease boredom and the feeling of loneliness?
To answer these questions, several companies now offer digital social networks specific to care settings. At the Hôpital Foch in Suresnes (92), for example, patients are offered access to the social network My hospi friends.
So Xavier, who is undergoing treatment for a chronic illness, can log on and get to know his fellow patients in neighbouring rooms, find out more about their interests and hobbies, and chat virtually or even in person. All it takes is to create an account and add your preferences. Illness, age and sex are not mentioned. These tools are secure and make it possible to post photos, leave comments or even create discussion groups on a favourite topic.
Thanks to this digital platform, daily encounters spring up, and these often lead to reunions when patients have a longer course of treatment. Patients enjoy seeing each other in person, the digital relationship being a springboard for meeting afterwards when that is possible.
The creator of My Hospi friends explains that the idea came to him after a long hospital stay, during which his family could not visit often and the feeling of being alone became more and more unbearable. According to him, with a virtual medium it is easier to decide which subjects you want to open up about and whether you want to meet the person.
A bit like a dating site, it creates connections in an environment where people often feel lonely and isolated. Knowing that there are other people to talk to could reduce the feeling of loneliness and make the stay more pleasant.
The aim is to talk about something other than the illness, and to feel connected. To bring greater well-being through entertainment and exchange. This contributes positively to recovery.
As well as being able to chat with other people, there are also online digital spaces that give users access to a platform of services. Among the choices are beauty treatments, a laundry service and even access to music.
However, these services can only be used by people who are used to digital technology. What about everyone else? Are they supported in learning how to use it? We can also ask what place carers have in a system where the relationship with patients is a major and essential element on the road to remission.
Hospitalisation is also, in a way, a time to refocus on oneself and to take the time to step out of a very busy life. The appearance of this kind of tool could have the opposite effect for people who are unable to “disconnect” and recharge.
To sum up, this application is a fine tool which, like all the others, requires knowing how to use it wisely to improve the patient’s journey during their stay.
Flore Guattari Michaux works in private practice in Colombes (92) with children, teenagers and adults. She specialises in parenting and digital technology.
