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The founder of Carenity answers our questions

Published 23 Apr 2019 • By Josephine O'Brien

"We have learned a lot, made some mistakes too, however we are constantly improving our services to make them as responsive as possible to patients' needs.”

The founder of Carenity answers our questions

What do you remember about the day Carenity was launched eight years ago? What was your state of mind?

A great moment of emotion and serenity. The emotion of seeing a project come to life and also a feeling of serenity because I was convinced of the usefulness of the site for our future users.

What was your goal at the time?

Create a social network for patients and their families. As a family member of a patient, I know that it is difficult to access quality information. And that the decisions to be taken, often within short deadlines, are complex. Connecting people affected by the same diseases promotes mutual support and information sharing.

And today, is the objective still the same? What lessons have you learned and how has Carenity evolved?

The objective is unchanged. We have learned a lot, made mistakes too, and are constantly improving our services to meet patients' needs as much as possible. The platform now has more than a thousand pathologies, whereas we started with 12 pathologies in 2011.

Why is the company called Carenity?

It is the juxtaposition of "Care" and "Nity" for community.

In eight years, the Carenity team has grown, the site has been created in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany and the United States, the platform has undergone significant improvements.... Which event or stage marked you the most?

There have been many highlights over the past eight years. Two events come to mind: the creation in early 2019 of the company's first subsidiary in Boston, USA. And when we passed the 100,000 mark. There, I thought that the service we offer is really useful, beyond our expectations. And more generally, I am always very moved when I receive testimonials from patients or families who tell us how Carenity has transformed their lives.

In eight years, we learn, we evolve... but from which objective or value have you never deviated?

When creating a company or service, you have to be able to listen and adapt. But above all, you must remain faithful to your commitments and values. At Carenity we share the values of transparency, mutual aid and caring where the human being is at the centre of everything.

Many Carenity members have participated in surveys shared with stakeholders in the health sector. What has been the impact of these surveys?

Being able to collect patients' opinions "in real life" is a major step forward for science and therefore for patients. More than 300 studies in 8 years have made it possible to develop new products and services to improve the quality of patient care. We have also raised awareness among public authorities about the burden of certain diseases.

What are the challenges for the next few years? Where do you see Carenity in eight years?

There are many challenges. We will intensify our efforts to offer services that better meet patients' needs, while respecting data confidentiality and users' rights. We will continue our internationalization. Most importantly, we will ensure that patients' opinions are better taken into account by medical research, healthcare providers, industry and health authorities. The scope for progress is enormous.

Thank you to Michael for answering our questions.

And where do you see Carenity in eight years? Tell us in the comments!

avatar Josephine O'Brien

Author: Josephine O'Brien, Community Manager UK

Josephine is the Community Manager of the UK with a Master’s in Publishing. She is a strong believer in the power of words and strives to make Carenity UK a comforting, vibrant and informative community for both... >> Learn more

6 comments


lesmal • Ambassador
on 24/04/2019

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Michael, all Management, the whole IT Team, Josephine and of course, all staff involved at Carenity for this great initiative. 

I am so grateful to you all for the interesting and informative health articles, which cover practically all health aspects relative to the clientele/members on the site. Reading personal Testimonials has been a fantastic way of finding out how one copes with a medical problem, having discussion groups, forums, loading one's medication and finding out others' views on certain medications, the new layout thanks to your IT Team, and so much more! Mutual sharing means so much! 

I'm honoured to be an Ambassador on Carenity UK and will do my utmost to keep up with the tasks that this involves, i.e. contact with members, advice, sharing my view in discussions/health subjects, doing more research and giving my input when and if its required.    

Knowing my data is safe makes me more comfortable exploring the site; thank you! 

As stated, 'the scope for progress is enormous' and I look forward to remaining part of it, as both an Ambassador and a Member.  

Wishing the Carenity Team all the best for the future! 


ranji13
on 24/04/2019

So happy to be part of carenity. It has helped me understand my diabetes. And also the members i write to about what we can do to help ourselves get better in health.


avatar
Unregistered member
on 26/04/2019

Where would we all be 'without' Carenity??  In the DARK AGES!!!!!

Thanks to the team we are able to share and learn from each other about our health problems. You provide an invaluable service, we get more from the site than we do from the medics??

Here's to the next eight years and the next, the next, the next........

Kindest Regards to ALL.   Richard.


avatar
Unregistered member
on 29/04/2019

I wish to thank Josephine and all the members of the Carenity team. I was not very sure whether or not to join carenity 3 years ago. I thought I will give it a go and see where it takes me. I am very glad that I became a member, and now I know that I made the right decision. The articles published have been very enlightening and have learnt a lot from the community news. Reading the testimonials have made me realize that I am not the only one going through the conditions I have. Have also realized that I am so much better off than so many other sufferers who are suffering much more than I am, and I am pleased to be able to communicate/advise and put my input where required. 

Thank you Carenity. Long may it continue.


josie42
on 09/05/2019

I have only been on the carenity a year now . Reading other people's comments helps me reliese I'm not alone I have had asessmement of my pain a week ago. . The day I went for me was a good day . So I did more than I could barering  the pain. This I think hasn't helped me. Today the pain I have has been awful it's so easy to put on paper that I'm walking ok . But one day is not the same. I have got my family to buy me CBD oil for my birthday as I find it helps to relax me. Only thing is I can not afford to get it every  month. . I feel so let down..

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