[Conceptual and practical aspects of creating an internet presentation of a surgical department]

Until recently an internet presentation of a surgical department could rarely be found on the World Wide Web (WWW). Today an increasing number of departments provide a Web site, but often contents and graphics can still be improved. For more than 4 years the Department of Surgery at the University Hospital of Würzburg has maintained an internet presentation (www.chirurgie.uni-wuerzburg.de). Contents and technical features have been continuously updated. In order to provide a powerful Web site, contents were structured for the 3 target groups: visitors, that are patients including their relatives (consultation hours, directions, maps of campus and wards), physicians (main points in diagnostics and therapy, research, publications, further education, job offers) and medical students (teaching schedules, courses, learning materials). Concerning the technical aspects of the Web site, emphasis was put on a distinct layout and clear design. Therefore, text was arranged in tables or lists and a limited number of standard fonts was used. Graphics were compressed to a minimum file size. To allow effortless navigation for the visitor two roll-over menu banners, a sitemap, a search tool and easy-to-follow symbols were implemented. The internet is an important source of information, and used correctly, the WWW is very useful for the presentation and communication of a surgical department.