A new report from PERQ/HCI Corp. indicates that the Web sites for the Academy's journals American Family Physician and Family Practice Management rank among the top 10 Web sites for medical journals. PERQ/HCI studies readership of medical journals (print and online) by conducting surveys about the reading habits of thousands of physicians.

In its December 2006 survey, PERQ/HCI asked representative samples of physicians to identify which journal Web sites they had visited in the past 30 days. AFP and FPM came in first and second, respectively (out of 37 journals), in numbers of total Web site visitors when responses from family physicians in office and hospital settings were tabulated.

The survey included more than 250 medical journals, and physicians were asked respond even if they do not receive a particular publication. Surveys that we have conducted have told us that family physicians value the AFP and FPM Web sites, but the fact that they score well in a large survey like this one from PERQ/HCI under lines the value of the online content.

AFP in Print Continues Top Ranking

The most recent PERQ/HCI surveys about print journals continue to rank AFP high in readership scores among primary care physicians. In terms of “high readers” — those who read at least two thirds of the issues and at least two thirds of each issue — AFP is number one and has been for several years. When readers were asked how many of the last four issues received they read, 73 percent said they read at least three, and 59 percent say they read every issue. Reading thoroughness also is tracked: 28 percent of office-based family physicians said they read AFP from cover-to-cover, and very few readers merely “skim” the journal.

Patient Education Web Site Recognized

The Medical Library Association (MLA) has named the Academy's consumer-oriented patient education Web site, familydoctor.org, one of the 10 most useful Web sites for medical information. The AAFP site joins such other consumer sites as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Mayo Clinic, and Medline Plus in being honored by the association. The MLA evaluates Web sites based on credibility, sponsorship or authorship, content, audience, currency, disclosure, purpose, links, design, interactivity, and disclaimers.

What's Your Opinion?

We are continuously trying to improve the quality of AFP, both in print and online. If you have any comments or suggestions, please mail the comment card (found in the first issue of each month) or send us an e-mail atafpedit@aafp.org. We value your opinion and look forward to your suggestions.