Utilization of research via the Internet.

T h e Internet presents nearly endless possibilities for accessing research that can then be used in practice. As described in a previous column (Wilkas, 2002) careful evaluation of a given Web site is crucial. This column addresses research utilization and using the Internet to assist with applying research to clinical practice. One of the greatest advantages of using the Internet for research is the reduced time from conducting the re search to dissemination (Belcher & Holdcraft, in press). Not only is less time involved in the process of publication by avoiding mail delays, but it also is likely that the research is available to the clinician earlier because journal communication with the author is also decreased. Peer review can be done via e-mail, accomplishing a task in a few days that normally can take several months. Once the research article is finalized, a few hours are all that is needed to post information on the Web, rather than weeks for the joumal to arrive at one’s home or workplace. One must be careful, however, as Web site consistency may be a problem, sometimes making it difficult to rehun to a reSOurce that may no longer be available via the Internet (Belcher & Holdcraft).