The EPAGE internet guideline as a decision support tool for determining the appropriateness of colonoscopy.

Background: Few studies have examined how physicians perceive guidelines, much less their perceptions of an Internet presentation of such guidelines. This study assessed physicians' acceptance ofan Internet-based guideline on the appropriateness of colonoscopy.

Methods: Gastroenterologists participating in an international observational study consulted an Internet-based guideline for consecutive patients referred for colonoscopy.

Patient use of the Internet for health care information in Switzerland.

Study Aims: The aim of this study was to examine for the first time the frequency of Internet use for medical purposes by patients in Switzerland.

Methods: In 2001 over a period of one month, 1604 patients at 8 medical practices in Switzerland completed a self-administered questionnaire on their access to the Internet and any search for medical information using this media. The attending physician supplied the patient's diagnosis and information on the severity of the disorder motivating the visit using a separate questionnaire.