The Internet-current trends and future expectations among Brazilian pediatricians and otolaryngologists with a special interest in pediatric otolaryngology.
OBJECTIVE
To assess Internet use among a group of Brazilian pediatricians and otolaryngologists and to inquire about possible Web based medical resources.


METHODS
Questionnaires were distributed among attendees of a 2001 Pediatric Otolaryngology meeting in Brazil. Multiple choice or yes/no questions related to the use of the Internet among physicians were presented.


RESULTS
All of the 99 respondents of an estimated 900 attendees, had Internet access (high-speed 18%, conventional 77%); 52% at home, 42% in the office and 6% at both sites. Eighty-one percent of those responding regularly used the Internet for medical updating. Sharing a pediatric otolayngology medical association Web site with patients was desired by 73%; an interest in personal Web based medical information and updates was demonstrated by 97%. Five percent of respondents already had established personal practice Web sites and 54% agreed with potential benefits for improving medical practice.


CONCLUSIONS
The potential role of electronic communication and a desire to establish a pediatric otolaryngology Web site that would maximize inclusiveness is appreciated by this group of Brazilian otolaryngologists and pediatricians.
Godinho
Ricardo Neves
RN
Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. ricg@uai.com.br
Kamil
Syed
S
Keogh
Ivan
I
Sih
Tania
T
Eavey
Roland
R
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001938:Brazil; D003201:Computers; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires