title: Development of an online tool for public health: the European Public Health Law Network.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The European Public Health Law Network was established in 2007 as part of the European Union (EU) co-funded Public Health Law Flu project. The aims of the website consisted of designing an interactive network of specialist information and encouraging an exchange of expertise amongst members. The website sought to appeal to academics, public health professionals and lawyers.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Public Health Law Flu project team designed and managed the website. Registered network members were recruited through publicity, advertising and word of mouth. Details of the network were sent to health organizations and universities throughout Europe. Corresponding website links attracted many new visitors. Publications, news, events and a pandemic glossary became popular features on the site. Although the website initially focused only on pandemic diseases it has grown into a multidisciplinary website covering a range of public health law topics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The network contains over 700 publications divided into 28 public health law categories. News, events, front page content, legislation and the francophone section are updated on a regular basis. Since 2007 the website has received over 15,000 views from 156 countries. Newsletter subscribers have risen to 304. There are now 723 followers on the associated Twitter site.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The European Public Health Law Network has been a successful and innovative site in the area of public health law. Interest in the site continues to grow. Future funding can contribute to a bigger site with interactive features and pages in a wider variety of languages to attract a wider global audience.
authors.affiliation: Center for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK. pollybasak@hotmail.com
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Basak
mesh_terms: D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D009862:Online Systems; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*