Navigating the internet maze

The 'internet-driven information age' is a term in common usage, implying that everyone can access all the information they need, when they need it. The purpose of this brief paper is to outline some web sources that highlight the possibilities and potential for accessing web-based knowledge. From this the clinician will be encouraged to follow leads along the labyrinth of links to a greater appreciation of how this resource can be used to shape their practice. Examples of web links are provided for: search engines; library-based sources, including medical databases and electronic journals; evidence-based practice databases, mail-groups; electronic conferences; research centres; and general health sources. Importantly, this review does not aspire to be all-inclusive, for the web changes, chameleon-like, to the seasons. The web is here to stay. It will provide the framework for much education and will guide clients to a greater appreciation of their disease or disability than ever before. It may ultimately be the tool through which health fund agents will promote best practice, including self-help to clients, and therefore direct discriminating individuals to select health practitioners who have been endorsed by professional and fund agencies as providing a contemporary service which conforms to evidence-based practice.