Success and failure in Web-based medical collaboration

Abstract

A Web-based collaboration tool was developed for ophthalmologists, called Øyenet. A feasibility study was performed in 2000. The system was ready to use in 2001, but the usage of the system was disappointing, compared to the enthusiasm expressed in the feasibility study. In order to identify facilitators and barriers for usage of the system, we performed a qualitative study. Nineteen ophthalmologists from different parts of Norway, who had been using the system but to a varying degree, were interviewed. The study revealed that a single common solution is not appropriate for the ophthalmology community as a whole. It also revealed that colleagues from abroad should be allowed to use the system, in order for it to act as a tool for collaboration and seeking advice in complex medical problem solving.