Forbes: Dean Ornish on What Matters Most in Digital Health

Forbes’s STAT Ten Column gives voice to those leading in digital health. Contributor John Nostra asks Dr. Ornish ten questions that attempt to uncover what’s driving innovation today.

People who are lonely, depressed, and isolated are three to ten times more likely to get sick and die prematurely.

Here’s some of what Dr. Ornish had to say:

You’ve spoken of building deep and authentic connection among patients as a key element of your wellness programs.  Can digital health foster that connection or drive more “techno-disconnection”?

Both.  What matters most is the quality and meaning of the interaction, not whether it’s digital or analog (in person).  Study after study have shown that people who are lonely, depressed, and isolated are three to ten times more likely to get sick and die prematurely compared to those who have a strong sense of love and community.  Intimacy is healing.  In our support groups, we create a safe environment in which people can let down their emotional defenses and communicate openly and authentically about what’s really going on in their lives without fear they’ll be rejected, abandoned, or betrayed.  The quality and meaning of this sense of community is often life-transforming.  It can be done digitally, but it’s more effective in person.  A digital hug is not quite as fulfilling, but it’s much better than being alone and feeling lonely.

For the full interview, click here.