[Physicians, internet and new knowledge. Utilization and efficiency of new continuing education media in the hospital].
OBJECTIVE
The application of new information technologies will have a lasting impact on the physicians' working environment. Not only will classic learning methods change, but also ways of communication and strategies to find relevant information. This survey is designed to demonstrate current methods of and demand for continuing medical education and communication.


METHODS
110 participating physicians (26% female, 74% male) in nine different regional hospitals were asked regarding "continuing medical education", "communication" and "use of computerized technology".


RESULTS
Most physicians regard their colleagues, scientific journals, textbooks and scientific meetings as most useful. The internet, scientific staff at research institutions and pharmaceutical representatives were valued as less useful. Physicians regarded scientific basis, speed and user-friendliness as the most important features of potential data and knowledge sources. Case specificity, German language and interactivity were viewed as less important. Most physicians expressed a growing need for education regarding use of e-mail as a communication tool and internet research techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuing medical education is in strong demand. The successful introduction of modern information technologies into physicians' daily work may and should be enhanced by specifically tailored training courses.
Butzlaff
M
M
Fakultät für Medizin, Universität Witten/Herdecke. butzlaff@uni-wh.de
Telzerow
A
A
Lange
S
S
Krüger
N
N
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003197:Computer Literacy; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged