Curious how the majority of #HIT100 nominations are US-based. So much #healthIT talent internationally clearly not using SoMe in same way — Heather Leslie (@omowizard) July 5, 2013
Nominations for the #HIT100 list are in full swing. Well, at least it is full swing in the US. It doesn't seem to be making many waves elsewhere in the twitterverse - a curious phenomenon from my POV.
In the first #HIT100 list (2011), there were definitely 3 (maybe 4 or 5 at most, correct me if I'm wrong) twits/tweeters/tweeple (whatever the correct term is) from outside the US. I remember two from Australia and one from UK. I know because I specifically went looking.
Certainly if you search for health IT-related topics on Twitter or follow some of the health IT related lists, the predominant topics are about US-based activity - Meaningful Use, ONC etc.
If you believe Twitter, then the US is the go-to place for all things health IT. But we know that is not the case. Clearly the use of social media, and specifically Twitter, is vastly different between USA and... well... anywhere else.
I nominated some people to the #HIT100 list this year. Most were non-US-based. My small attempt to try to subvert and upset the balance a little.
It was pleasing to see Keith Boone took a similar view.
I'll be very interested to see how the results of the nominations are presented. If it is truly not a personality or population contest then I would like to see the range of people highlighted, especially with an international focus to broaden the world view and enhance international discourse.
I see evidence of much excellent work happening all around the world related to eHealth, EHRs and health informatics but it is disproportionately represented if you rely on Twitter.
A curious dichotomy.