A clinical informaticist to support primary care decision making

292

260

This paper provides a narrative review of the available literature from the past 10 years (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006) that focus on the information seeking behaviour of doctors. The review considers the literature in three sub-themes: Theme 1, the Information Needs of Doctors includes information need, frequency of doctors' questions and types of information needs; Theme 2, Information Seeking by Doctors embraces pattern of information resource use, time spent searching, barriers to information searching and information searching skills; Theme 3, Information Sources Utilized by Doctors comprises the number of sources utilized, comparison of information sources consulted, computer usage, ranking of information resources, printed resource use, personal digital assistant (PDA) use, electronic database use and the Internet. The review is wide ranging. It would seem that the traditional methods of face-to-face communication and use of hard-copy evidence still prevail amongst qualified medical staff in the clinical setting. The use of new technologies embracing the new digital age in information provision may influence this in the future. However, for now, it would seem that there is still research to be undertaken to uncover the most effective methods of encouraging clinicians to use the best evidence in everyday practice.

Section: Differences According To Type Of Healthcare Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The information‐seeking behaviour of doctors: a review of the evidence

Davies

2007

292

260

“…10 This can deter them from even beginning to search for information. 17 Studies show that 'few wish to develop the necessary skills' 11 and 'do not generally have the time or inclination to perform lengthy literature searches.' 18 However, Doney et al .…”

Section: Information Seeking Behaviour and Information Needsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Community outreach library services in the UK: a case study of Wirral Hospital NHS Trust (WHNT)

Dowse

Sen

2007

Aims and objectives : The study evaluates the Community Outreach Library Service at Wirral Hospital National Health Service Trust (WHNT). It considers the information seeking behaviour and information needs of primary care staff, and service effectiveness in meeting those needs. Methods : A literature review established the current context and areas of best practice. The investigative case study used postal questionnaires to 250 primary care staff and an interview with the Community Outreach Librarian. Findings : Themes emerged from the literature regarding information seeking behaviour, information needs, and meeting user needs through effective service delivery. Outreach services have value in terms of improving information skills and providing services at point of need. Time is a major constraint for both users and service providers. Conclusions : Investment is needed from appropriate funding sources to support the provision and marketing of outreach library services. Librarians benefit from sharing best practice. The continued evaluation of outreach library services is recommended.

“…Full details of the project are reported elsewhere. 26 Of 100 clinicians invited to use the service, only 34 wished to participate. The service had its enthusiasts-a quarter of the questions came from one group practice, and the two highest users generated 13 of the 60 questions.…”

Section: Clinical Informaticist Servicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Information services tend to be remote from the day-to-day reality of general practice-there is an obvious geographical divide, as they are traditionally located in the postgraduate library, but there is also a cultural divide, neither professional perhaps fully aware of how the other one works or the potential in working more closely together. 31 Table 1 A comparison between the Imperial and Basildon informaticist services Imperial 26,30,35 Basildon 29,30 'like a laboratory test service' 'friendly local facilitator' Low emphasis on personal contact High emphasis on personal contact Strong research component Strong service component Focus on academic rigour and technical excellence Focus on identifying important questions through face-to-face dialogue All relevant primary and secondary sources identified and appraised Pragmatic approach-'find out what we can and share it' using easily accessible sources None of project team involved in local service general practice Strong local links of project leader (a local GP) enabled integration into a clinical effectiveness unit There needs to be a greater partnership between information professionals and clinicians in primary care to fully realize the potential of information services. Whilst delivery of information via the Internet offers huge promise, there may be potential, alongside web-based initiatives such as the National Electronic Library for Health, for more personalized community-based services with an explicit aim of facilitating informationseeking behaviour and providing information which is tailored to the local primary care context.…”

Section: The Role Of Information Professionals In Facilitating Evidenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Information needs of United Kingdom primary care clinicians¹

Swinglehurst

2005

Background : The scope of primary care makes knowledge management in this context very challenging, especially as access to information increases and the role of primary care within the NHS expands. Objectives : This paper reviews the literature on the information needs of primary care clinicians to enable evidence-based decision making. Drawing on the literature, and using a specific example of a clinical informaticist service, some lessons are drawn on the role of information professionals in facilitating evidence-based health care. Methods : Literature review. Case study of clinical informaticist service. Conclusions : There are numerous barriers to clinicians engaging with evidence-based practice. However, providing evidence-based information to clinicians' questions in a user-friendly format has the potential to facilitate changes in practice. The successful implementation of information services requires attention to both academic and service dimensions, fostering closer working relationships between clinicians and information professionals.