The semi-automated analysis adopted for this study has re-affirmed the feasibility of using the Internet to obtain free-text comments, at no real cost, from a substantial number of medical software downloaders/users. Responses were received from participants in over 54 countries-with nearly half of these ( n = 194 48.5%) originating from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada 208 responses (52.0%) were received from patients with diabetes, 50 (12.5%) from doctors, 49 (12.3%) from relatives of patients, with fewer responses from students, diabetes educators, nurses, pharmacists, and other end users. During the corresponding period 1,770 actual visits were made to the Website survey page-giving a response rate to this proof-of-concept study of 22.6%. Over a 5-month period (from Octoto February 28, 2002) 400 responses were received. The Internet-based survey methodology and semi-automated analysis were both found to be robust and reliable. This column documents the results of a semi-automated analysis of comments left by Website visitors while they were downloading the AIDA software, before they had a chance to use the program. Since its launch in 1996 over 300,000 visits have been logged at the main AIDA Website-over 60,000 copies of the AIDA program have been downloaded free-of-charge. It has been made freely available, without charge, on the Internet as a noncommercial contribution to continuing diabetes education.

AIDA permits the interactive simulation of plasma insulin and blood glucose profiles for teaching, demonstration, self-learning, and research purposes. The purpose of this column is to overview a proof-of-concept semi-automated analysis about why people are downloading the latest version of the AIDA educational diabetes program. In previous 'Diabetes Information Technology & WebWatch' columns various indicators of usage of the AIDA program have been reviewed, and various comments from users of the software have been documented. The software is intended to serve as an educational support tool and can be used by anyone who has an interest in diabetes, whether they be patients, relatives, health-care professionals, or students.

AIDA is a diabetes-computing program freely available at on the Web.

Aida freeware