Google governance: increasing the effectiveness of critical care physicians through the use of an online usergroup.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the use of an online user group to enhance communication and productivity by critical care specialists.


METHODS
In this article, we provide a description of the first 6 months of use of an online user group by senior retrieval physicians.


RESULTS
Initially developed as a communication and online discussion tool, our online user group evolved to include a number of other utilities that support clinical governance. These included a repository for useful files, educational presentations, online rostering and "portfolio pages", updating aspects of an individual specialist's non-clinical activity. Its applications continue to evolve in number and utility. Participating physicians perceive an increase in organisational efficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
An online user group such as Google Groups may provide powerful support to an organisation's clinical governance. We recommend this tool to other services with limited administrative personnel.
Reid
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Greater Sydney Area Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, Rescue Helicopter Base, Bankstown Aerodrome 2200, PO Box 58, Georges Hall 2198, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Harper
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S
Tzannes
A
A
Habig
K
K
Coombes
S
S
Hayes
S
S
Burns
B
B
Oh
C
C
Newcombe
M
M
Fineberg
S L
SL
Tall
G
G
Novy
M
M
D002983:Clinical Competence; D054976:Clinical Governance; D003142:Communication; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004526:Efficiency; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009862:Online Systems; D010820:Physicians; D006113:United Kingdom