Internet by proxy -: How rural physicians use the Internet

This study investigated utilization of computer-based telemedicine in three rural Missouri counties. Participating health care agencies were given computers and access to an Internet-based workstation that provided e-mail and World Wide Web (WWW) services. Ten rural practices from three Missouri counties were profiled. Utilization data for email messages sent and received, along with the number of WWW pages accessed, were collected through a proxy server. Results showed that most physicians received more messages than they sent and utilized the WWW more than they did e-mail. Moreover, physicians connected to a tertiary care center and who currently use extenders in their practice are more likely to use Internet technology, even if it is through a proxy user such as a nurse practitioner or office staff.