Evaluating Barrier-Free Access to Teen Health Information on the Web

3. Initial evaluationresults fromthe TeenHealthWebSite Survey indicated we were able to collectdemographic statistics and usage patterns. From thecomments we could analyze how information wasutilized (e.g., decisionmaking, schoolreports).4. The online Information Requests Bulletin Boardwas developed and pilot tested. We received veryspecific and explicit information requests and thussuspended the service to address the unanticipatedissues ofprovidingthis typeofinformation.Conclusions. Based on electronic mail, web pageaccesses, and early online evaluation results weconclude the web site is a useful source of healthinformation for teens. Further accolades from othermedia sources, including radio, newspapers, andmagazinessupportthis conclusion.Informationfoundonthewebremovesthe barriers forteens. No longer are geographical distances,embarrassment, race, sex, physical appearance orsocioeconomicstatus abarrierforteens wantinghealthinformation.Futuredirections, pendingfunding, include expansionofcontentareasanddevelopmentofacadreofmedicalstudents and clinical faculty willing to respond toinformation requests. Wealready have a networkedphysician community and the delivery of healthservicesvianetworksis aprinciple activity ofHalifax-based TelecomApplications Research Alliance. Weneed to develop a general funding model to supportnewwaysofdelivering health information, includinginternet and telephone. Wealso need to explore ourresponsibility in the legal/medical/cultural contextforproviding individualized information online. Futureresearchneedsto address the followingquestions: