[The Socisin Mailing List: assessment at 12 months].

BACKGROUND: This Mailing List (ML) is an automatic e-mail distribution system on a specific topic. The medical world uses MLs to keep specialists in touch, however far apart they may be. The Socisin ML, circulated for discussion among members of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN), was one year old on 30th September 2001. This paper reports on its first 12 months in use. METHODS: We analysed all data on the number of messages received, accepted and rejected, their characteristics and authors, as well as the numbers subscribing and unsubscribing to the list. RESULTS: The number of messages were 391, 171 (43.7%) of them related to genuine scientific discussion. The proportional weight of the topics discussed was: peritoneal dialysis 51% (n=88), hemodialysis 40% (n=68), nephropathology 8% (n=13), transplantation 1% (n=2). Twenty-five congresses, symposiums and meetings were presented and one research trial was implemented after its presentation to the members. Compared with the Nephrology international ML, the number of messages were 13.5% (391/2907). Membership increased from 336 to 443 (+32%). There were 124 new subscribers and 17 unsubscribers (+107). During this first year, 146 nephrologists sent at least one message to the ML. DISCUSSION: Our objective is to extend the number of participants, make the discussion increasingly scientific, and cover all aspects of nephrology. The Socisin ML will certainly become very valuable to Italian nephrologists provided it continues to grow and keeps to the rules pertinent to such tools and the spirit of a "common" project.