Do electronic mail discussion lists act as virtual colleagues

摘要: Anesthesiology Discussion Group (ADG), an electronic mail (email) discussion list, has previously been shown to be a clinically oriented, cost-effective form of telemedicine. ADG is composed international collection anesthesia providers. Discussions with colleagues are generally informal in nature and examples types information-seeking behavior which frequently occur hallways or lounges hospital clinic. Information-seeking occurs when health care provider searches for information will used solve satisfy patient's problem need. We surveyed practitioners who had submitted non-rhetorical, clinical questions the group. After analysis questionnaire results, we conclude that valuable resource effective Many respondents indicated they obtain second opinions from collective expertise group members. Respondents also were satisfied quality responses would not hesitate use future questions.