Informal communications networking among health professionals: a study of gp-uk

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Abstract
The use of electronic mail (email) has increased greatly over the last few years, not only in the wider world but also within the medical community, particularly in the general practitioner (GP) sector. Email discussion lists have proliferated, and this study looks at one month’s postings from such a list (gp-uk) through author and content analyses, and assesses its value as considered by members of the discussion list. A general overview shows that, although classified as an academic list, the use is more of a ‘buddy’ support network given over to general chat and humour, as well as providing almost instant worldwide opinion and information on practice. Given the professional background of the membership, a surprising finding is the fact that clinical discussion does not figure as the highest valued aspect of the discussion list: that position is taken by its humorous aspects. The overwhelming benefit offered through the use of gp-uk is the access to like-minded professionals worldwide who have taken to the advantages of computer networking technology and computer-mediated communication (CMC).