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 purposes of this study were to: W 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 of 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. Conclusions: 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.