A Brückner1, J Klewer2, C Zölsmann2. 1. Fakultät Gesundheits- und Pflegewissenschaften, Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau, Postfach 20 10 37, 08012, Zwickau, Deutschland. anja.brueckner.duw@fh-zwickau.de. 2. Fakultät Gesundheits- und Pflegewissenschaften, Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau, Postfach 20 10 37, 08012, Zwickau, Deutschland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The internet plays an important role in the search for health-specific information. So far, only a few studies exist on the user-friendliness of medical websites. This study thus examines the web presence of otorhinolaryngologists in private practice in Bavaria. METHODS: All otorhinolaryngologists registered with statutory health insurance in Bavaria were evaluated using a standardized checklist. IBM SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) statistical software was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Among all otorhinolaryngologists (n = 448), 73.0% (n = 327) had their own functioning website. Only a minority of websites (1.5%) had options to adjust the font size. Regarding functional possibilities of the websites, 18.3% of the physicians offered an online appointment calendar and 3.7% the possibility of feedback. A liability disclaimer was missing on 21.6% of all websites. CONCLUSION: The results exhibit an inadequate use of criteria catalogues for web presence. A patient-oriented website configuration could help to improve customer acquisition and satisfaction, which is particularly relevant for cities with a high density of physicians.
OBJECTIVE: The internet plays an important role in the search for health-specific information. So far, only a few studies exist on the user-friendliness of medical websites. This study thus examines the web presence of otorhinolaryngologists in private practice in Bavaria. METHODS: All otorhinolaryngologists registered with statutory health insurance in Bavaria were evaluated using a standardized checklist. IBM SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) statistical software was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Among all otorhinolaryngologists (n = 448), 73.0% (n = 327) had their own functioning website. Only a minority of websites (1.5%) had options to adjust the font size. Regarding functional possibilities of the websites, 18.3% of the physicians offered an online appointment calendar and 3.7% the possibility of feedback. A liability disclaimer was missing on 21.6% of all websites. CONCLUSION: The results exhibit an inadequate use of criteria catalogues for web presence. A patient-oriented website configuration could help to improve customer acquisition and satisfaction, which is particularly relevant for cities with a high density of physicians.
Entities:
Keywords:
Accessibility; Homepage; Medical specialist; Quality management; User-friendliness
Authors: P Rattay; H Butschalowsky; A Rommel; F Prütz; S Jordan; E Nowossadeck; O Domanska; P Kamtsiuris Journal: Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz Date: 2013-05 Impact factor: 1.513