Information‐Seeking Patterns of Dentists in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

The authors surveyed dentists in Istanbul, Turkey to determine the modes they were using to access current professional information. A questionnaire was sent to 379 privately practicing dentists. The response rate was 35 percent. Privately practicing dentists frequently preferred to use traditional methods, such as discussions with colleagues, textbooks, and the brochures of products, to obtain information. Textbooks were found to be the most helpful information retrieval method. The lack of time after work and the difficulties in traffic in Istanbul were cited as the leading barriers to accessing information. We conclude that Turkish dentists in private practice need to improve their computer literacy skills in order to benefit from the generous opportunities that technology offers them and also to overcome the problem of professional isolation in their lives.Mr.

Use of scientific evidence by dentists in Brazil: Room for improving the evidence-based practice

“…We used a self-administered questionnaire, which has the advantage of reaching a large sample size and covering a wide geographical area and population. Although the study findings might not be readily generalized to all dentists, the number of responses was similar or higher compared with studies carried out in other countries [ 9 – 11 , 13 , 15 ]. The study also reached all Brazilian territorial regions, although the North and Midwest regions accounted for only 4% of the respondents, perhaps because only five out of 11 regional councils from those regions agreed to collaborate, which can be suggestive of a geographical bias.…”

“…The questions presented in the questionnaire were based on previous studies that have conducted similar surveys in dentistry [ 9 – 11 , 13 , 15 ]. The questions were divided into four main groups: 9 questions with the general characteristics of the sample (e.g., gender, age, education, and current professional practices); graduate courses completed and current or past experience with educational activities (15 questions); informational resources and methods most commonly used for professional updating (7 questions); and use of scientific evidence in clinical practice (5 questions).…”

“…Dentists who lack experience in reading articles might face challenges in interpreting certain terminology [ 5 ], particularly when the article is in a foreign language [ 6 ]. Other potential obstacles are personal motivations and financial issues originating in either the professional or patient, which might cause them to choose one intervention or treatment over another [ 7 , 8 ]; an intense workload [ 9 , 10 ]; or even an excess of publications in dentistry [ 7 , 11 , 12 ]. In addition, studies that report conflicting results might also end up confusing professionals [ 10 ].…”

“…Studies carried out in many countries have assessed professional and knowledge updating and information-seeking practices among dentists [ 9 , 10 , 13 – 16 ]. In these studies [ 9 , 10 , 13 – 16 ], factors such as a lack of clear answers to clinical questions, insufficient computer literacy, and exposure to studies reporting diverging outcomes were mentioned as barriers to accessing information and should be addressed to overcome the problems of transferring information into practice. Most of those studies also indicated a low reliance on evidence-based information resources during clinical practice, and that dentists’ experience plays a significant role in their updating patterns.…”

Paradigm Shift or Annoying Distraction

“…Social influence theory emphasizes the role of respected peers in decision making, including other professionals and opinion leaders [18], making it the source of behavior change. Several studies have found that, when seeking professional advice or information, physicians prefer consulting with colleagues [19][20][21][22].…”