Table 2.

Suggestions for providers to interact with Internet-literate consumers

Do Try to react in positive manner to information from the Internet Warn about the variability in the quality and reliability of material from the Internet Warn about time constraints that may limit your ability to address all the information found on the Internet Develop a strategy for dealing with Internet information before the encounter (e.g. get consumers to email summary of issues before consultations) Accept consumer contributions as valuable Accept that they may find relevant and valid information previously unknown to you.

Don't Be dismissive or paternalistic Be derogatory of comments made by others on the Internet Refuse to accept information found on the Internet Feel threatened