The Importance of RSS in the Exchange of Medical Information

Abstract. This paper investigates the role of RSS in providing a so-lution to the problem of medical information overload, speeding up the dissemination of information and improving communications between all those with an interest in health. It compares the exchange and use of medical information on the Internet before and after the use of RSS and also shares a vision for the future, using MedWorm, a medical search engine and RSS newsfeed provider, as an example. The conclusion high-lights how RSS has opened a new dimension of information exchange which has the potential to enable giant steps forward in the field of medicine. To realise its full potential, both publishers and users of medi-cal information need to recognise the importance of RSS, ensure thought-ful implementation of RSS feeds to announce publication, and provide for education regarding its everyday use.