title: The Internet-current trends and future expectations among Brazilian pediatricians and otolaryngologists with a special interest in pediatric otolaryngology.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. ricg@uai.com.br
authors.forename: Ricardo Neves
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Godinho
authors.forename: Syed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kamil
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Keogh
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sih
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eavey
mesh_terms: 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