"How can we put social networks at the service of health? Is it possible to create a reliable communication channel between patients and healthcare professionals? What kind of environments can social networks create that benefit our health? This book presents a structured account of what social networks are, what types of networks exist, their different business models and how each one can be used in the field of healthcare. We will learn how they can help us in the classroom, in teaching new professionals, encourage joint research without geographical limits, and even how sharing the results of research in different parts of the world in almost real time accelerates medical progress. In addition, it shows how to track patterns in the spread of a disease, create direct channels between professionals and patients, create environments for patients and families to inform and support each other in the process of their disease."--Provided by publisher.