[Public health professionals and the Internet: usage patterns and perception].
The internet has deeply changed our way to communicate, transforming society, and the world of health has been consequently influenced by this communicational revolution. Aim of the study was to investigate the web utilization and perception by the Italian health professionals, using an online questionnaire. A sample of 490 health professionals responded to the questionnaire. Almost all the responders use the internet, for work and leisure, and they are aware that this communication tool influences a lot both their knowledge and opinions. Internet is perceived as a useful and positive mean for accessing and spreading information by health professionals and health institutions, even if a worried attitude is expressed regarding to access to online health information by the general population. The broaden access to health information through the web opens new scenarios to future health systems. This evolving communication change poses to public health the challenge to get the benefits that internet can potentially generate, minimising the risks that at the same time can arise.
Orizio
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Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale ed Applicata, Sezione di Igiene, Epidemiologia e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. graziamail@gmail.com
Gelatti
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D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D011634:Public Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires