Those which rely heavily on information handling, such as finance, have already capitalised on the possibilities created by the Internet. Despite being a major creator, handler and manager of information, the NHS does not regard itself as an information-oriented organisation. The Internet is still not vital to healthcare purchasers. But there are sites now available, especially on the Web, which either provide unique sources of information, or deliver otherwise available information in an effective way. The CRD maintains a database of high quality systematic reviews.
Users can log-on to the database, search for systematic reviews and print off records.
The difference between the CRD database and Medline is that all the reviews in the CRD database are quality controlled, and only those reaching a certain standard are included on the database. Full-text documents are becoming widely available. The texts of the Bandolier newsletter are available, and the NHS Executive South and West has made DEC reports available. Looking to the future, the Internet is going to be the best way to make high quality evidence readily available to purchasers. It may also be the route by which they reach their public with plans and information.