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BUSINESS
At least 30 medical wikis have popped up, with topics ranging from radiology to billing to rosacea. Most have few contributors, but all have similar goals -- to create a more vibrant, up-to-date conversation and library of knowledge than can be found in a
textbook or journal. "Our goal is to really develop a comprehensive body of knowledge that is up-to-date and accurate and very accessible," said Brian Jefferson, MD, an AskDrWiki co-founder. AskDrWiki, modeled after the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia, was created as a place where a group of cardiologists could share and exchange information in a wiki format that could be accessed from anywhere. But among those familiar with wikis and what can go wrong when literally anyone can modify information, there are concerns about doctors using them for critical information. As more medical wikis launch, experts say the creators will need to break away from the traditional wiki model to ensure that the information accessed is accurate. That is what many medical wikis are doing, which makes adding content slower but allows time for factchecking. "If DrWiki evolves (and I hope it will) into a large, searchable repository of frequently updated, high-quality medical information with a track record of accuracy and strict adherence to good editorial policies, I think medical libraries will embrace it and add it to the
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/05/07/bil20507.htm
04/30/07
AMNews: May 7, 2007. Physician wikis: Do-it-yourself textbooks ... American Medical ...
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repertoire of tools they currently utilize," said David Rothman, an information services specialist at the Community General Hospital Medical Library in Syracuse, N.Y., in an email interview.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/05/07/bil20507.htm
04/30/07
AMNews: May 7, 2007. Physician wikis: Do-it-yourself textbooks ... American Medical ...
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Weblink
Ask Dr Wiki (www.askdrwiki.com) PubDrug (www.smbrower.com/mediawiki/) David Rothman's list of medical wikis (www.davidrothman.net/list-of-medical-wikis/) Back to top.
Copyright 2007 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/05/07/bil20507.htm
04/30/07