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Internet resources for family physicians
D L Anthes1, R E Berry, A Lanning
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto.
Summary
Family physicians can leverage the Internet for enhanced practice through rapid communication, access to medical literature, and continuing medical education. This powerful tool offers valuable resources for improved patient care and professional development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Family Medicine Technology
Background:
- The Internet offers vast resources for family medicine.
- Many family physicians lack awareness of its potential and access methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize Internet components relevant to family medicine.
- Explore Internet applications for enhancing family physician practice.
- Increase awareness of accessing family medicine Internet resources.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an online search of the World Wide Web using multiple search engines (Lycos, WebCrawler, OpenText, Yahoo).
- Performed a conventional MEDLINE search of Internet publications from the past 5 years.
- Established a website with evolving resources: http:@dfcm 18.med.utoronto.ca/anthes/hpgdfcm1.htm.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous Internet applications beneficial for family physicians.
- Highlighted resources including rapid physician communication, medical literature access, and continuing medical education programs.
- Noted the availability of patient support and discussion groups online.
Conclusions:
- The Internet provides significant value for family physicians.
- Key applications include enhanced communication, access to medical knowledge, and professional development opportunities.
- Online resources support both physician practice and patient engagement.