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Patient attitudes to the Internet and analysis of the potential role of a dedicated colorectal website -a prospective study.

BACKGROUND
The Internet has become an easily accessible source of information for patients and professionals alike. The purpose of this study were to: (i) analyse the attitudes of colorectal outpatients with regards the establishment of a dedicated, local colorectal website; and (ii) 'market research' the desired contents of such a site.


METHODS
During a 4-week period, questionnaires were circulated among patients attending colorectal out-patient clinics in order to establish basic demographic data, Internet usage and investigate those areas of information that would be of interest.


RESULTS
Over the study period, 118 replies were received from 538 patients; 49 males (40.6%), 58 females (50.8%) and 11 unspecified gender (8.4%). The age of respondents conformed to a normal distribution, centred on the 61-70-year-old age group. Of all respondents, 38 patients (32%) used the Internet for general purposes. Nine (8% of all respondents, 23% of those with Internet access) had searched for information regarding their clinical problem. Forty-one patients (35% of those with access) indicated that they would use such a website, should one become available.


CONCLUSION
Although Internet usage was relatively low amongst our patients and there was less interest in a potential website than has been noted in previous studies, we were able to identify a group of patients for whom the provision of a dedicated colorectal website would be of benefit and whose information requirements could easily be met within a website format.