Visitors and content preferences on an educational web site dedicated to clinical body computed tomography: results of a 2001 audit and online survey.

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To ascertain demographic characteristics and content preferences of visitors to an educational Web site dedicated to clinical body computed tomography (CT). Such information could help determine whether the resource is attaining its educational goals. METHODS: During February 2001, a commercial Internet service measured the number and average length of visits to the site, the domain names of the visitors, and the content most frequently requested. During the same month, a nine-question self-administered user survey was posted on the site's main page. RESULTS: The service reported 19,013 visits during which 98,685 pages of content were viewed. Of the total number of users to visit, 37.9% were from domains outside North America. Helical CT scanning protocols, teaching atlases, CT teaching files, and medical illustrations were the most frequently requested content. Of the 687 visitors responding to the survey, 51.5% were radiologists and 33.5% were radiological technologists. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologists and radiological technologists are the principal visitors to the site. These users prefer to view helical CT scanning protocols and the Web site's core educational material.