We explored a diverse sample of family medicine patients' use of the internet for health information. Primary objectives were to determine the extent of access to the Internet, and among those with access, the types of health information sought; how they search for that information; and how they assess the accuracy of the information. We also surveyed the physicians' perceptions of their patients' use of the Internet for health information. Of 1289 patients participating, 65% reported access to the internet; age, sex, race, education, and income were each significantly associated with internet access. A total of 74% of those with access had used the Internet to find health information for themselves or family members. Disease-specific information was most frequently sought, followed by medication information, and then information about nutrition and exercise. Patients determine website accuracy by the endorsement of the site by a government agency or a professional organization, their own perception of reliability of the website source, and the understandability of the information. Almost 90% attempted to verify the information they obtained. A majority had discussed website information with their physicians. The physicians (n ؍ 92) underestimate the proportion of their patients who used the Internet for health information. A total of 36% of physicians said at least one patient per week brought in Internet health information, and 63% said they had suggested a specific website to their patients. Physicians need critical appraisal skills to determine whether information found by a patient is relevant to that patient's condition and is based on the best available evidence. In addition, physicians directing patients to websites for health information must be confident that the site is maintained and updated by a reliable and credible source. They also estimated that 85% of online women and 75% of on-line men had searched for health information at least once in the past. As more people gain access to the internet, particularly with high-speed connections, the numbers seeking healthcare information for themselves or their family members will likely increase. A number of studies have reported that the availability of internet-based health information to nonhealth professional consumers has influenced patient knowledge and expectations regarding healthcare, as well as the patient-physician relationship. Jadad et al 5 found that over 90% of a sample of cancer-care providers (30 physicians and 37 nurses) reported that patients had brought information from the internet to them for discussion. Murray et al 6 conducted a nationally representative telephone survey of 3209 people: 31% had looked for health information on the internet in the past year; 16% had found health information relevant to themselves; and 8% had taken information to their physician. Although socio-economic factors were associated with looking for health information, it was not related to use of the information. A majority of people who took information...
Measurement experts generally agree that a systematic approach to test construction will probably result in an instrument with sound psychometric properties. One fundamental method is called the blueprint approach to test construction. A test blueprint is a tool used in the process for generating content-valid exams by linking the subject matter delivered during instruction and the items appearing on the test. Unfortunately, this procedure as well as other educational measurement practices is often overlooked A survey of curriculum administrators at 144 United States and international medical schools was conducted to assess the importance and prevalence of test blueprinting in their school. Although most found test blueprinting to be very important, few require the practice. The purpose of this paper is to review the fundamental principals associated with achieving a high level of content validity when developing tests for students. The short-term efforts necessary to develop and integrate measurement theory into practice will lead to long-term gains for students, faculty and academic institutions.
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