FAMNET: The Use of an Electronic Mail System in Canadian Academic Family Medicine

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Communication Networks

Background:

• Canadian universities utilize the Netnorth computer network.
• Electronic mail offers accessible, low-cost communication.
• Academic Family Medicine departments sought enhanced connectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test an electronic network for academic Family Medicine users.
• To assess the utility of this network for rapid surveys.
• To evaluate its potential for inter-departmental and international communication.

Main Methods:

• Leveraged Netnorth's electronic mail system.
• Established a network of academic Family Medicine users (Famnet).
• Conducted tests to evaluate Famnet's effectiveness for rapid surveys.

Main Results:

• Famnet demonstrates potential as a valuable tool for regular inter-departmental communication.
• The system shows promise in increasing collegiality among Canadian Family Medicine departments.
• Facilitation of international communication in the field of family medicine is a potential outcome.

Conclusions:

• Famnet is a promising system for enhancing communication within Canadian Family Medicine.
• The network can support rapid surveys and foster a greater sense of community.
• Potential exists for Famnet to bridge geographical and institutional divides in family medicine globally.