Information networks in biomedicine

The term information networks refers to systems of information retrieval and dissemination designed for the sharing of knowledge among individuals, groups and institutions. In the biomedical field, information networks may be categorized loosely according to their structure (direct, centralized, or cooperative) and their function (educational, service-oriented, or research-oriented). This article describes a number of current biomedical information networks, focusing on those with an educational function. Although most of the networks mentioned here are relatively successful, certain serious problems are encountered commonly in the planning, implementation, utilization, and evaluation of all kinds of biomedical information networks.