[Improving medical information for patients with a customized website].
BACKGROUND
In order to improve medical information for the patients consulting at the Department of Ophthalmology, an Internet website was set up. We wanted to estimate the rate of patients connecting to this website. Then we evaluated how the patients could draw a benefit from visiting this Internet site.


METHODS
Prospective study of the patients seen in the department of ophthalmology over 4 consecutive days in May 2007. The first questionnaire was distributed to all patients and completed in the department. The second one was given only to the patients equipped with a broadband Internet connection and was to be completed at home after having visited the website.


RESULTS
Six hundred twenty-one patients were admitted to the department during the period; 510 (82%) were included in the study. Among them, 382 (74.9%) responded to the first questionnaire. The broadband connection rate was 42.5%, 74.5% of these patients took an interest in our site, and 64.6% thought of visiting it. Forty-two (29%) responded to the second questionnaire. After having visited the site, 61.2% of the patients felt that their medical information was improved, 71.8% rated the quality of the site as good, and 87.9% would recommend this site to their relatives.


CONCLUSIONS
This type of website is liable to efficiently supplement the information provided by the Ophthalmology Department doctors. It justifies the time and staff investment necessary for its operation.
Mathieu
B
B
Bénigne
M
M
Cabinet de médecine générale, Paris.
Muselier
A
A
Maisonneuve
H
H
Maisoneuve
H
H
Bron
A
A
Creuzot-Garcher
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005128:Eye Diseases; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult