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Internet and computer-based resources for travel medicine practitioners.
J S Keystone1, P E Kozarsky, D O Freedman
1Centre for Travel and Tropical Medicine, Toronto General Hospital (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C4. jay.keystone@utoronto.ca
Summary
Maintaining international traveler health requires current knowledge of infectious diseases and regulations. This review guides infectious disease consultants to reliable travel health resources, including databases and websites, to ensure accurate pre-travel and post-travel assessments.
Area of Science:
- Travel Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Travel medicine necessitates staying current with global infectious diseases, drug resistance, preventive measures, and border health regulations.
- Accurate travel health information is crucial for maintaining the well-being of international travelers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assist infectious disease consultants in accessing up-to-date and reliable travel health information.
- To review off-line commercial databases and Internet sources for travel medicine.
Main Methods:
- A review of North American pretravel off-line databases.
- Evaluation of 65 websites across 9 categories, including government recommendations and commercial sites.
- Identification of the Global Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Network for posttravel assessment.
Main Results:
- TRAVAX and The Medical Letter are identified as comprehensive North American pretravel off-line databases.
- The Global Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Network excels in providing global infectious disease epidemiology for posttravel assessment.
- A curated list of 65 websites is categorized for various travel health information needs.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians and travelers must carefully evaluate information, as even reputable websites may present conflicting data.
- Reliable access to current travel health resources is essential for effective disease prevention and management in international travelers.