IMPROVING DISCOURSE

The fourth theme of our framework looks to how Web 2.0 can be a stimulus to help citizens, providers, researchers and policy makers improve the respective discourses within their domains and among them in order to improve population health and the functioning of the health care system. In looking to the characteristics that maximize the value of the discourse it must be open, honest, multi-disciplinary, timely and relevant.

Improving Discourse of Citizens

Web 2.0, and on its heels Web 3.0, provide a powerful platform for citizens to engage in conversations among themselves, with the provider community, researchers and policy makers. Citizens are exploring the use of the Internet for social networking to share information with one another on their experiences with health care. This has the action of making explicit and open what might have been private conversations in the past. The fact that they appear on the Internet presents an opportunity to help inform but also raises issues of propriety surrounding what kind of information is being shared and whether it is being done with discretion. Opportunities for the abuse of individuals and reputations could become an issue and due care and attention must be taken to ensure that societal rules and laws that apply in the public sphere are adhered to on the Internet.