Accuracy and self correction of information received from an internet breast cancer list: content analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of false or misleading statements in messages posted by internet cancer support groups and whether these statements were identified as false or misleading and corrected by other participants in subsequent postings. DESIGN: Analysis of content of postings. SETTING: Internet cancer support group Breast Cancer Mailing List. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of false or misleading statements posted from 1 January to 23 April 2005 and whether these were identified and corrected by participants in subsequent postings. RESULTS: 10 of 4600 postings (0.22%) were found to be false or misleading. Of these, seven were identified as false or misleading by other participants and corrected within an average of four hours and 33 minutes (maximum, nine hours and nine minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Most posted information on breast cancer was accurate. Most false or misleading statements were rapidly corrected by participants in subsequent postings.

Impact of fee schedules and approved doctor's list on physician availability in the Texas Workers' Compensation Program

The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the changes in physician provider workforce, before and after two regulatory changes were implemented by the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission (TWCC) in August and September of 2003: Fee schedules and the Approved Doctor's List (ADL). The number and type of physicians who participated in the program after the changes went into effect were measured and compared to projections based on natural attrition. In addition, interviews with key stakeholders were conducted regarding the program changes. ^ Collectively, this evidence suggests that physician response followed the same patterns as shown in previous research. The number of physicians who continued to participate and bill the Texas workers' compensation program decreased significantly as a result of the regulatory changes. The consequences of these changes on access and quality of care need to be documented with empirical research. The availability of physicians in the workforce is linked to access to care. The type and location of physicians who remained in the system also have impact on quality and access to care. ^