Dr. Darwin Labarthe suggested that we hope that by increasing the knowledge of our audience, they will use that knowledge to improve their health. Research shows that providing information on a problem and documenting that you've increased the knowledge of the person doesn't necessarily change their behavior. These are what change behaviors. Dr. Parcel disagreed, citing research that shows the opposite to be true. Dr. Evans remarked that we need to empower those patients who are capable to make more informed decisions.
Discussion groups enable men to become well informed and make treatment decisions.
Patient must weigh options and make decisions, our job is to make the information available. Dr. Ross noted that if people are out there looking for information, you've already got people who want the information. We need to distinguish between an active and passive audience. Dr. Weems suggested we consider pursuing sources of funds to go into setting this sort of database mounted on the WWW and available to consumers. The financial aspect can be handled if we consider creative avenues.