Innovations in End-of-Life Care
an international journal of leaders in end-of-life care

Reader Survey 2002 Results and Web Statistics

In December 2002, we conducted our annual online survey of readers of Innovations in End-of-Life Care, to which 446 readers responded. Those of you who responded told us about the many ways you use the articles you read in Innovations and the positive impact this journal has on your own change efforts, teaching, and clinical practice.

How many readers do we have?

12,059 registered users and people who have signed up for our email alert (Registration was discontinued on Nov. 1, 2002.)

Approximately 8,000 unique visitors per month visit the site.

Who are our readers?

Note the 17% "other" includes 6% professor or educator, 2% student, 3% volunteer, 3% administrator, 2% journalist, 1% researcher

Where do they come from?

82% USA

12% Other English-speaking countries

2% Europe, non-English speaking countries

1% Mexico, Central and South America, Asia and the Middle East

3% Unknown

Here is what some of you said in response to our December 2002 reader survey:

"Began actively promoting an open-door attitude at our Hospice with the " Would you be surprised if the patient died in the next 6 months/1 year?" question. The conversation this opened caused us to change our view of patients still receiving "treatments." With that and other changes, our census has doubled."

"Changed my referral practice to hospice and medication usage."

"As a chaplain, I appreciated the article that discussed different studies that included walking with patients towards the end-of-life and assisting them as they cope with depression and redefine their sense of meaning. Since the author was a psychiatrist, reading the article helped me to keep my mind open to new ways that I could continue to collaborate with other health care professionals."

"The issue on palliative care in a comprehensive cancer center coincided with the start of a new program in my practice: palliative oncology. I have hired a social worker to bring interdisciplinary hospice-type care to my oncology practice. We are focusing on patients with advanced incurable cancer. The Innovations article reinforced my conviction that this is the best way to care for patients with advanced cancer."

"Mostly I have been further encouraged to advocate for my patients who are reaching the end of their life. I work on the infectious disease unit in a teaching hospital with rotating residents, many of whom have little to no experience with these issues, especially in such a young population. I see far too many patients put through extraordinary tests & treatments because young doctors otherwise feel they are ‘giving up.’"

"Now have fully functioning palliative care standing committee meeting monthly as a direct result of Innovations. Many thanks."

"I am starting a new Hospice and am thrilled to have found you."

"It is very supportive to know that Innovations is there as a resource tool for us as we go through the daily tasks of our hectic days of patient care and education. The information gathered has helped us to reference national trends and information to support our endeavors to increase the awareness both internally and externally of the need for quality end-of-life care."

"This is one of three on-line resources I look forward to seeing in my email regularly."

"I look forward to each issue and learn from each. The information gained is passed on to my students and also to my patients in the oncology unit where I work. Thank you."