Internet for Health Professionals

Internet for Health
Professionals

Discussion Lists
and
Newsgroups

Reasons for connecting to the Internet:

• Current and up-to-date information. Compared to print publishing, the Internet allows instant publishing and retrieval.
• Access to both traditional and new sources of information. If, for example you were undertaking a search into the etiology of epiglottis, you could undertake a search of the MEDLINE database, view a video on how you assess a child with this complaint, and participate in an interactive self-assessment test on this subject. It should also be noted that many new resources published on the Internet are not available through any other format.
• Functionality of accessing all resources through one local call (or connection) to your Internet provider. Before the Internet, resources were available but you had to connect directly to each information provider using a modem. Often this required a long distance connection.
• Access all resources through one piece of software - the World Wide Web browser- thus minimizing the time it takes to become "Internet literate"
• Opportunity to discuss medical issues with colleagues and experts from around the world through e-mail, discussion lists and newsgroups.
• Opportunity to pursue your research interests and continuing medical education studies from your own home at a time that is convenient to you.