How Computer Technologies Might be Used to Foster Professional Development: A Case Report of www.perfusionkorea.org

Chief Perfusionist, Division of Perfusion, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, South Korea

^* Address correspondence to: Kim Kuna, BSN, RN, Chief Perfusionist, Division of Perfusion, Depart of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, South Korea. E-mail: kunak@perfusionkorea.org

Received: 22 March 2002
Accepted: 21 January 2003

Abstract

Advances in the Internet and communication technologies have enabled many perfusion-related websites to provide detailed and reliable information to perfusionists. However, these websites are also faced with various member needs that require updating for fast, flexible responses. Despite the rapid increase in the number of these websites, little is known about the structure, performance, and effective utilization methods of such websites. This case report examines the www.perfusionkorea.org, a virtual organization that works across space and time with links strengthened by webs of communication technologies. In addition, website maintenance and resource management tasks, which are important factors for long-term survival, are discussed using the log analyzer and internet protocol tracing programs. Finally, using www.perfusionkorea.org, as a prototype of virtual organization activities, what we can expect to see more commonly in the near future, is discussed. Although we used a tremendous amount of multimedia techniques to attract members, we found that the significance of the perfusionists’ website would come from active participation of members rather than a new, complicated technology or eye-catching graphics. This case report shows the synergistic effects that Korea’s application of the Internet to the field of perfusion. It also suggests that new methodological strategies and approaches can be developed and tested to provide perfusionists with a direction for tomorrow’s health care system.