Embrace, don't cope

Re: “Coping with public health 2.0.”¹ People want to make informed choices about their health conditions. In response, a vast network of web-based information is in place, including the formidable website of the Public Health Agency of Canada. Many of these web-sites now host interactive online support groups, often supported by health care professionals. Those who use online content are engaged; they are taking steps to manage their own conditions. If it also happens that their discussions are taking up clinical time, then physicians could send them to a nurse educator. Web 2.0 is an arena of communication. If public health officials have a concern about a medical counterculture movement then it may be more useful to look at the causes and drivers and not at the channel.