Application of Internet to Neurosurgery

Kim, Bum Tae; Shin, Il Do; Shin, Won Han; Choi, Soon Kwan; Byun, Bark Jang

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Thanks to the development of combining computer technology and communications, the concept of communications is undergoing radical changes. Using this method of communicating we have developed an Internet homepage of our department and another designated Medmark-neurosurgery. This homepage will be used to educate not only patients with neurosurgical disorders, but also residents in the neurosurgical field. It will be a forum for physicians to communicate among each other to discuss new skills, keep abreast of current develop-ments and share resources to enhance their practices.
METHODS
The Internet homepage resources reside on an Alpha 1000 and local area networking system. Microsoft Windows NT and 95 were applied for both server and client use. Software for client use is also included. Uniform resource locator is SCHUH-neurosurgery is'http://hosp.sch.sch.ac.kr/ns' and for Medmark-neurosurgery it is'http://medmark.org/ns'. Material intended specifically for the neurosurgeon is classified and will be loaded on the server.
RESULTS
The SCHUH-neurosurgery site had 3862 accesses for 2 years. The main page showed clinical, research and educational information. Personal homepage showed curriculum vitae, publications, research and clinical interest. It has been found to be very useful in communicating with neurosurgeons worldwide. The Medmark-neurosurgery homepage categorized 200 sites as 23 general information(23%), 9 consumer(4.5%), 8 association(4.0%), 56 departments(28%), 6 journals(3.0%), and 98 specialty(49%). Among the specialty sites were anatomy, tumor, vascular subcategories and much more information.
CONCLUSIONS
We will present ideas on current and future applications of the Internet homepage in reference to neurosurgery with a comprehensive list of neurosurgical resources available on the Internet.