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Abstract
The internet has been used to support and inform the lay person about health and healthcare services almost since its inception. One of the most popular elements of this is the exchange of information using electronic communications such as message boards or mailing lists. The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide for practitioners engaged in asynchronous moderating or facilitating online health communities. The paper outlines why facilitation of online support groups is important, and strategies to support these communities by promoting and maintaining participation, while outlining key characteristics of an effective facilitator. It also highlights some of the challenges involved in facilitating online environments, with emphasis on gender-related issues and 'groupthink'. Methods to evaluate these processes are also discussed. Electronic communication to support treatment decisions by patients is likely to continue to grow. As a result, so will the issues related to large groups working together. Ways to mediate and ensure equal and effective participation are an important option to support these endeavors.