Randomized Controlled Trial of RSS Reader Use and Resident Familiarity With Primary Literature

Abstract

Background Awareness of the primary literature is important for clinicians. Lack of time, poor access to information, and lack of personal initiative may be barriers for some trainees. Really Simple Syndication (RSS) readers aggregate web content, such as journal abstracts, in a single location for easy viewing. Objective We assessed whether use of an RSS reader would increase resident reading frequency, familiarity, and understanding of the primary literature. Methods We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized, nonblinded, controlled trial of the effect of RSS reader use on knowledge of recent literature among pediatrics residents. Residents were randomly assigned to the RSS group (education in RSS use and receipt of the Pediatrics RSS feed) or a control group that followed standard reading practices. Outcome measures were differences on baseline and monthly surveys of reading frequency, familiarity with recent publications, and knowledge of recent articles (familiarity validation). Results Of 144 eligible residents, 79 (55%) were enrolled in the survey, with 81% (64 of 79) of participants completing all surveys. The RSS reader use was correlated with greater familiarity with selected articles, but not with improved understanding (as measured by ability to answer multiple-choice questions about content). Participants reported satisfaction with the RSS reader based on its ease of use, accessibility, and as an aid in supplementing reading. Conclusions The RSS reader use was accepted by residents and associated with increased familiarity with the primary literature but not with increased understanding.

Inmediatez en salud: la tecnología RSS

“…El uso de la sindicación simple en el área de la salud muestra varias aplicaciones interesantes, además de usarse ampliamente en la difusión de información médica como noticias, alertas epidemiológicas y para la obtención de literatura académica, se ha reportado su uso en áreas de enseñanza a nivel licenciatura y posgrado. De acuerdo con Jenssen et al 6 el uso del sindicador de contenidos fue aceptado por los residentes y se asoció con una mayor familiaridad con la literatura primaria 6 . Adicionalmente, hay reportes del uso de los RSS como recurso didáctico en la enseñanza de la medicina, como el caso de los cursos que se impartieron gratuitamente a personas de facultades de medicina y educadores de enfermería 7 y como la comunidad médica puede conocer y acercarse a las herramientas como los RSS que ayudan a estar actualizados, encontrar información confiable y fomentar la salud 8 .…”

Constructivist Theory as a Foundation for the Utilization of Digital Technology in the Lifelong Learning Process

“…Despite this, the minimum weekly usage increased only slightly, indicating a hesitancy to adopt this technology. Jenssen, Desai & Callahan (2014) conducted a study which revealed that while RSS reader use correlates with elevated familiarity with selected articles, there was no correlation with enhanced understanding. Participants reported satisfaction with the RSS reader due to the fact that it is simple to use, accessible, and assists in their reading activities.…”