Health information on the Internet in Lithuania

Abstract

The paper deals with the evaluation of Lithuanian health information resources on the Internet. The aim is to introduce initial findings regarding the development of usage and creation of electronic health information resources in Lithuania and the statistical overview of Lithuanian health information sites on the Internet. The methods used were: analysis of documentation and literature; interviews with the persons who create health information resources and work at implementing of health information programmes; and survey of existing Lithuanian health information sites on the Internet. Lithuanian health information resources on the WWW have become a part of the Internet health information resources worldwide. There is also a sufficient infrastructure for continuing the development of this particular field. Besides, the medical professionals have become aware and sensitive of the issue of the Internet usage and its potentials for the professional needs as well as for the patients and public in general. The lack of an overall information strategy for healthcare is one of the problems that should be addressed by the government officials and leaders of the medical profession as soon as possible. © 2001, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.