Guidelines for the Ask TransWeb Panel

Below are some guidelines to assist you in answering Ask TransWeb questions.

• TransWeb does not dispense medical advice.
  If you think that the question you were asked to answer requests medical advice, let the webmaster know. The question may be answered via private email instead, or an explanation as to why no answer can be given will be forwarded.

• Answers should apply as broadly as possible.
  Ask TransWeb, like TransWeb as a whole, is intended as a general resource, not specific to any particular transplant program or region. Wherever possible, answers should be true across most transplant programs, most procurement agencies, etc. Also bear in mind that the Web is international; if the question or the answer must be specific to a particular state or country, please state so.

• Answers should be as concise as possible.
  In general it is best to provide a brief answer; if you wish to provide more material, see "Providing further information" below. If you find that they question is too broad to be answered briefly, contact the webmaster. We may request that the question-asker be more specific; or the question may merit consideration for fuller treatment on TransWeb in the future.

• Use simple language.
  For most questions asked by patients, family members, and the general public, use of some medical terminology is OK as long as it is defined within your answer. However, if the question is fairly technical, feel free to answer in kind.

• Providing further information:
  If you wish to provide a link to another web page or other Internet resource within your answer, please feel free to do so. Please provide an accurate URL for the document to which you are referring. If you wish to provide a bibliography, more detailed information, an illustration, etc. please feel free to do so. Illustrations should be in GIF format; contact the webmaster for directions on FTP'ing it to us. If you or your department has a home page, please provide that URL with your answer. Inclusion of your email address for publication with your answer is another option.

• Please email your answer within two days of receiving the question.
  If you foresee that you won't be able to meet the deadline, please let the webmaster know immediately so that another panel member can be contacted right away.
  Please include the full text of the question with your answer; retain the subject line (it should begin with "AskTW:").

Thank you again for serving on the Ask TransWeb Panel!

 
Last modified: 11 May 2000