Social media was a big theme of this year's HIMSS12 conference and exhibition in Las Vegas. First Twitter co-founder Biz Stone told the event that people needed new tools to transform the "world of infinite information" into knowledge they could use to take action.

Then, Seattle 'mom, paediatrician and blogger' Dr Wendy Swanson gave an impassioned speech arguing that doctors have an "ethical duty" to go online. They have a duty to help their patients avoid pseudo-science and find the information they need to make good health and treatment choices.

Back in the UK, the Department of Health made its own contribution to the development of new social media tools for health by unveiling the results of its maps and apps competition.

The DH was surprised by the scale of interest - more than 500 ideas were sent in - so it was a tiny bit disappointing that there was no clear indication of what, if anything, will be done to promote the apps on show in London. Meanwhile, as other stories in this edition of EHI Mobile show, more apps are being released almost daily.

Social media an "ethical duty" for docs

Doctors have an "ethical duty" to use the communication channels used by their patients to provide them with good medical advice beyond the occasional ten minute consultation.

Twitter founder is the Biz at HIMSS12

Twitter co-founder Biz Stone has told HIMSS12 that people urgently need social tools to help them make sense of "infinite information."

CSC and NHS Choices showcase app

A 'Pocket Health' app developed by CSC for NHS Choices has been downloaded an estimated 5,400 times since its launch in September 2011.

ActiveME app tracks activity

An iPhone application has been launched to help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome / ME keep track of their energy levels.

Diabetes? There's a DiAppBetes for that

Southampton doctors have developed a smartphone app to improve the treatment of patients with diabetes while they are in hospital.