The fundamental principle of the internet was to allow people across the world to find and connect with one another across topics of interest. For hospitals and health systems, this means providing ways for patients to connect and discuss their care. In this episode, hosts Reed Smith and Chris Boyer discuss the ways patients have started to use the internet and social media to connect, and how organizations can begin to embrace and develop online patient communities. Featuring an expert interview with Ed Bennett, in which he discusses the challenges hospitals face when launching online patient communities and why, despite the challenges, it’s important for health systems to consider these communities as part of their clinical and marketing outreach efforts.