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Showing papers in "Health Information and Libraries Journal in 2009"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Few review types possess prescribed and explicit methodologies and many fall short of being mutually exclusive, but this typology provides a valuable reference point for those commissioning, conducting, supporting or interpreting reviews, both within health information and the wider health care domain.
Abstract: Background and objectives : The expansion of evidence-based practice across sectors has lead to an increasing variety of review types. However, the diversity of terminology used means that the full potential of these review types may be lost amongst a confusion of indistinct and misapplied terms. The objective of this study is to provide descriptive insight into the most common types of reviews, with illustrative examples from health and health information domains. Methods : Following scoping searches, an examination was made of the vocabulary associated with the literature of review and synthesis (literary warrant). A simple analytical framework—Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis and Analysis (SALSA)—was used to examine the main review types. Results : Fourteen review types and associated methodologies were analysed against the SALSA framework, illustrating the inputs and processes of each review type. A description of the key characteristics is given, together with perceived strengths and weaknesses. A limited number of review types are currently utilized within the health information domain. Conclusions : Few review types possess prescribed and explicit methodologies and many fall short of being mutually exclusive. Notwithstanding such limitations, this typology provides a valuable reference point for those commissioning, conducting, supporting or interpreting reviews, both within health information and the wider health care domain.

5,571 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Conventional subject searching identified the majority of references, but additional search techniques were essential and located further high quality references and contact with experts.
Abstract: Background: Literature for a systematic review on the student experience of e-learning is located across a range of subject areas including health, education, social science, library and information science. Objectives: To assess the merits and shortcomings of using different search techniques in retrieval of evidence in the social science literature. Methods: A conventional subject search was undertaken as the principal method of identifying the literature for the review. Four supplementary search methods were used including citation searching, reference list checking, contact with experts and pearl growing. Results: The conventional subject search identified 30 of 41 included references; retrieved from 10 different databases. References were missed by this method and a further 11 references were identified via citation searching, reference list checking and contact with experts. Pearl growing was suspended as the nominated pearls were dispersed across numerous databases, with no single database indexing more than four pearls. Conclusions: Searching within the social sciences literature requires careful consideration. Conventional subject searching identified the majority of references, but additional search techniques were essential and located further high quality references.

225 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Comparisons on the operating characteristics of search filters designed to retrieve RCTs from medline can direct the choice of an RCT filter, especially at high sensitivities.
Abstract: Background: People search medline for trials of healthcare interventions for clinical decisions, or to produce systematic reviews, practice guidelines, or technology assessments. Finding all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with little extraneous material is challenging. Objective: To provide comparative data on the operating characteristics of search filters designed to retrieve RCTs from medline. Methods: We identified 38 filters. The testing database comprises handsearching data from 161 clinical journals indexed in medline. Sensitivity, specificity and precision were calculated. Results: The number of terms and operating characteristics varied considerably. Comparing the retrieval against the single term ‘randomized controlled trials.pt.’ (sensitivity for retrieving RCTs, 93.7%), 24 of 38 filters had statistically higher sensitivity; 6 had a sensitivity of at least 99.0%. Four other filters had specificities (non retrieval of non-RCTs) that were statistically not different or better than the single term (97.6%). Precision was poor: only two filters had precision (proportion of retrieved articles that were RCTs) statistically similar to that of the single term (56.4%)—all others were lower. Filters with more search terms often had lower specificity, especially at high sensitivities. Conclusion: Many RCT filters exist (n = 38). These comparative data can direct the choice of an RCT filter.

108 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of reported studies on the information behaviour of healthcare professionals (2004-2008) offered some insight into the difficulty in identifying and expressing information needs and sense making and the need to fill knowledge gaps.
Abstract: Objective: A review, focusing on emotion, was conducted of reported studies on the information behaviour of healthcare professionals (2004–2008). Findings were intended to offer guidelines on information services and information literacy training, to note gaps in research and to raise research interest. Method: Databases were searched for literature published from January 2004 to December 2008 and indexed on eric, Library and Information Science Abstracts, medline, PsycINFO, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition; Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts; Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection; Social Work Abstracts; SocINDEX with Full Text; SPORTDiscus; cinhal; and the ISI Web of Knowledge databases. Key journals were manually scanned and citations followed. Literature was included if reporting on issues concerning emotion. Results: Emotion in information behaviour in healthcare contexts is scantily addressed. This review, however, offers some insight into the difficulty in identifying and expressing information needs; sense making and the need to fill knowledge gaps; uncertainty; personality and coping skills; motivation to seeking information; emotional experiences during information seeking; self-confidence and attitude; emotional factors in the selection of information channels; and seeking information for psychological or emotional reasons. Conclusion: Suggestions following findings, address information literacy programs, information services and research gaps.

62 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Librarians involved in delivering and supporting e-learning can benefit from applying the findings from the systematic review to existing programmes, exemplified by the FOLIO Programme, which provides a valuable framework for ongoing course development.
Abstract: Objectives: To systematically review the UK published literature on e-learning in the health workplace and to apply the findings to one of the most prolific UK e-learning initiatives in the health sector—the National Library for Health Facilitated Online Learning Interactive Opportunity (FOLIO) Programme. Methods: Sensitive searches were conducted across assia, Australian Education Index, British Education Index, cinahl, CSA Abstracts, Dissertation Abstracts, Emerald, eric, ibss, Index to Theses, lisa, medline, PsycInfo and Social Science Citation Index. Additional citations were identified from reference lists of included studies and of relevant reviews; citation tracking and contact with experts. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were coded and analysed using thematic analysis as described by Miles & Huberman (Qualitative Data Analysis: A Sourcebook of New Methods. Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 1984). Results: Five broad themes were identified from the 29 included studies: (i) peer communication; (ii) flexibility; (iii) support; (iv) knowledge validation; and (v) course presentation and design. These broad themes were supported by a total of eleven sub-themes. Components from the FOLIO Programme were analysed and existing and proposed developments were mapped against each sub-theme. This provides a valuable framework for ongoing course development. Conclusion: Librarians involved in delivering and supporting e-learning can benefit from applying the findings from the systematic review to existing programmes, exemplified by the FOLIO Programme. The resultant framework can also be used in developing new e-learning programmes.

46 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The last two decades have witnessed considerable growth in research output in this field, while a successful malaria vaccine still remains elusive, Interestingly, the countries like the USA, the UK and Australia that lead in the quantity, quality and citation of this output are often not those directly affected by malaria.
Abstract: Objectives : This study evaluates malaria vaccine research carried out in different parts of the world during 1972‐2004 using different bibliometric indicators. Method : Data have been downloaded from PubMed for the period 1972‐2004 using the keywords (malaria* or plasmodium or falciparum) and (vaccine*) in the title and abstract fields. The study examined the pattern of growth of the output, its geographical distribution, profile of different countries in different subfields and pattern of citations using GOOGLE Scholar. Results : Malaria vaccine research output is gradually increasing. The USA, followed by the UK and Australia contributed the highest number of papers. Publication activity has decreased in Switzerland and Sweden, but has increased in Brazil and China. The majority of the countries have focused on the development of asexual blood stage malaria. Citations per paper and incidence of high-quality papers for the USA, the UK, Papua New Guinea and Denmark are more than the average. The majority of the prolific institutions are located in the USA, the UK, France and Australia. Conclusion : The last two decades have witnessed considerable growth in research output in this field, while a successful malaria vaccine still remains elusive. Interestingly, the countries like the USA, the UK and Australia that lead in the quantity, quality and citation of this output are often not those directly affected

46 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: New guidance is a starting point for a pragmatic survey to assess the impact of health library services and contains evidence-based advice and a planning pathway for conducting an impact survey as a service audit.
Abstract: Introduction: Previous impact tool-kits for UK health libraries required updating to reflect recent evidence and changes in library services. The National Knowledge Service funded development of updated guidance. Methods: Survey tools were developed based on previous impact studies and a systematic review. The resulting draft questionnaire survey was tested at four sites, and the interview schedule was investigated in a fifth area. A literature search in assia, Google Scholar, intute, lisa, lista, scirus, Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Knowledge), and the major UK University and National Libraries Catalogue (copac), identified ways to improve response rates. Other expert advice contributed to the guidance. Results: The resulting guidance contains evidence-based advice and a planning pathway for conducting an impact survey as a service audit. The survey tools (critical incident questionnaire and interview schedule) are available online. The evidence-based advice recommends personalizing the request, assuring confidentiality, and using follow-up reminders. Questionnaires should be brief, and small incentives, such as a lottery draw should be considered. Bias is minimized if the survey is conducted and analysed by independent researchers. Conclusion: The guidance is a starting point for a pragmatic survey to assess the impact of health library services.

45 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The changing roles of information producers, providers and users are examined, exploring the impact of health literacy and new technologies, and some of the current library and consumer health information projects taking place in the UK are featured.
Abstract: Background: Consumer health information is becoming increasingly important and health policy in the UK is beginning to reflect this. This has implications for information producers, providers and users, with the move towards a more patient-centred health service. Objectives: This review aims to provide a broad overview of the current state of consumer health information in the UK. It examines the changing roles of information producers, providers and users, exploring the impact of health literacy and new technologies. It features some of the current library and consumer health information projects taking place in the UK and discusses the role that libraries may play in the future. Methods: The article focuses on consumer health information in a policy context. It is based on the experiences of the authors' work for the Patient Information Forum and knowledge of consumer health information. A number of library and information professionals were consulted regarding the library and information projects. Conclusions: Communication between health professionals and patients, and between health educators and the public, is key in order for consumer health information to have the ability to improve health outcomes. Further, especially local, investment into the production, distribution and delivery of consumer health information is recommended.

44 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated whether searching different interfaces to the amed allied health and complementary medicine database produced the same results when using identical search terms, and found that simple searches fail to retrieve a substantial percentage of citations.
Abstract: Background: The researchers involved in this study work at Exeter Health library and at the Complementary Medicine Unit, Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD). Within this collaborative environment it is possible to access the electronic resources of three institutions. This includes access to amed and other databases using different interfaces. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether searching different interfaces to the amed allied health and complementary medicine database produced the same results when using identical search terms. Methods: The following Internet-based amed interfaces were searched: DIALOG DataStar; EBSCOhost and OVID SP_UI01.00.02. Search results from all three databases were saved in an endnote database to facilitate analysis. A checklist was also compiled comparing interface features. Results: In our initial search, DIALOG returned 29 hits, OVID 14 and Ebsco 8. If we assume that DIALOG returned 100% of potential hits, OVID initially returned only 48% of hits and EBSCOhost only 28%. In our search, a researcher using the Ebsco interface to carry out a simple search on amed would miss over 70% of possible search hits. Subsequent EBSCOhost searches on different subjects failed to find between 21 and 86% of the hits retrieved using the same keywords via DIALOG DataStar. In two cases, the simple EBSCOhost search failed to find any of the results found via DIALOG DataStar. Conclusions: Depending on the interface, the number of hits retrieved from the same database with the same simple search can vary dramatically. Some simple searches fail to retrieve a substantial percentage of citations. This may result in an uninformed literature review, research funding application or treatment intervention. In addition to ensuring that keywords, spelling and medical subject headings (MeSH) accurately reflect the nature of the search, database users should include wildcards and truncation and adapt their search strategy substantially to retrieve the maximum number of appropriate citations possible. Librarians should be aware of these differences when making purchasing decisions, carrying out literature searches and planning user education.

38 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new model for the UK CL role is derived drawing on the findings of this study and the existing literature.
Abstract: Aims: The aims of this research were to determine the background, education, training experience, roles and responsibilities of practising Clinical Librarians (CL) in the UK. This paper reports the findings of a survey undertaken in 2007 at the third Clinical Librarian conference. This research builds on research undertaken by Harrison and Sargeant in 2002 and Ward in 2004, and can be considered as part of a longitudinal study of the role of the CL in the UK. Objectives: The objectives of the research were to define and gain a broad understanding of the role of the CL in the UK highlighting similarities and differences amongst the professionals and provide evidence for a baseline of skills and activities for the CL role. The type of sampling used was Judgemental. Results/analysis: Results/analysis detail the skills and activities undertaken by CLs. Searching for information for Clinicians was the activity most frequently undertaken. Developing good relationships with other healthcare professionals was considered essential. Two-thirds of the respondents held a postgraduate library qualification. Conclusions: Crucially a new model for the UK CL role is derived drawing on the findings of this study and the existing literature.

37 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An evaluation of a sexual health project in Second Life designed to provide education about sexually transmitted infections, prevention of unintended pregnancy and promotion of equalitarian sexual relationships indicated that the Sexual Health SIM was positively viewed by its audience and fostered development of a vibrant virtual community.
Abstract: Background and objectives: Virtual environments such as Second Life are increasingly used as venues for public health education. This paper reports an evaluation of a sexual health project in Second Life, designed to provide education about sexually transmitted infections, prevention of unintended pregnancy and promotion of equalitarian sexual relationships. Methods: The University of Plymouth Sexual Health SIM provides a wide variety of educational experiences, including opportunities to test knowledge of sexual health through quizzes and games, web resources integrated within the virtual context and live seminars on sexual health topics. Primary methods of evaluation consisted of a survey (n = 135) and traffic statistics on the virtual programme. Results: Evaluation results indicated that the Sexual Health SIM was positively viewed by its audience and fostered development of a vibrant virtual community. Conclusions: While these results are promising, it is important to keep in mind the many challenges of delivering and evaluating the impact of educational programmes within 3-D virtual environments.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Inaccuracies in indexing systematic reviews and meta-analyses in medline can be partly overcome by a 5-term search strategy and introducing a publication type for systematic reviews of the literature could improve retrieval performance.
Abstract: Background: Systematic review articles support the advance of science and translation of research evidence into healthcare practice. Inaccurate retrieval from medline could limit access to reviews. Objective: To determine the quality of indexing systematic reviews and meta-analyses in medline. Methods: The Clinical Hedges Database, containing the results of a hand search of 161 journals, was used to test medline indexing terms for their ability to retrieve systematic reviews that met predefined methodologic criteria (labelled as ‘pass’ review articles) and reviews that reported a meta-analysis. Results: The Clinical Hedges Database contained 49 028 articles; 753 were ‘pass’ review articles (552 with a meta-analysis). In total 758 review articles (independent of whether they passed) reported a meta-analysis. The search strategy that retrieved the highest number of ‘pass’ systematic reviews achieved a sensitivity of 97.1%. The publication type ‘meta analysis’ had a false positive rate of 5.6% (95% CI 3.9 to 7.6), and false negative rate of 0.31% (95% CI 0.26 to 0.36) for retrieving systematic reviews that reported a meta-analysis. Conclusions: Inaccuracies in indexing systematic reviews and meta-analyses in medline can be partly overcome by a 5-term search strategy. Introducing a publication type for systematic reviews of the literature could improve retrieval performance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Clinical Librarians can collect data to identify the number of information needs doctors have, but this was more successful when the Clinical Librarian was experienced and an established part of the clinical team.
Abstract: Karen Davies, Freelance information professional and researcher, Loughborough,Leicestershire, UKAbstractBackground and objectives: The main objective of this paper is to determinethe frequency of doctors’ clinical information needs using Clinical Librariansas data collectors, focusing on the UK acute sector. Additionally, the frequencyof questions followed-up by Clinical Librarians was determined. The informa-tion needs of doctors have been investigated in other countries, particularly theUSA, but not in the UK. Clinical Librarians have not been utilized as datacollectors in any previous studies.Method: Clinical Librarians counted clinical questions posed by doctors inclinical settings.Results: The Clinical Librarians counted 286 questions from 655 doctorsdiscussing 1210 patient cases. This represents approximately one question forevery four patients.Conclusion: Clinical Librarians can collect data to identify the number ofinformation needs doctors have, but this was more successful when the ClinicalLibrarian was experienced and an established part of the clinical team.Key MessagesImplications for Policy


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The CADTH CAI provides experienced searchers with a means of selecting the search filter that is most methodologically sound.
Abstract: Objective: To identify or develop a critical appraisal instrument (CAI) to aid in the selection of search filters for use in systematic review searching. The CAI is to be used by experienced searchers without specialized training in statistics or search filter design. Methods: Through extensive searching and consultation, one candidate instrument was identified. Through expert consultation and several rounds of testing, the instrument was extensively revised to become the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) CAI. Results: The CADTH CAI consists of ten questions and can be applied by experienced searchers with a moderate knowledge of search filter methodology. Conclusion: The CADTH CAI provides experienced searchers with a means of selecting the search filter that is most methodologically sound.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Which of four bibliographic databases could be considered most useful to nursing and midwifery students searching for information for an undergraduate dissertation is ascertained.
Abstract: Background: Measures of the effectiveness of databases have traditionally focused on recall, precision, with some debate on how relevance can be assessed, and by whom. New measures of database performance are required when users are familiar with search engines, and expect full text availability. Objectives: This research ascertained which of four bibliographic databases (bni, cinahl, medline and embase) could be considered most useful to nursing and midwifery students searching for information for an undergraduate dissertation. Methods: Searches on title were performed for dissertation topics supplied by nursing students (n = 9), who made the relevance judgements. Measures of recall and precision were combined with additional factors to provide measures of effectiveness, while efficiency combined measures of novelty and originality and accessibility combined measures for availability and retrievability, based on obtainability. Results: There were significant differences among the databases in precision, originality and availability, but other differences were not significant (Friedman test). Odds ratio tests indicated that bni, followed by cinahl were the most effective, cinahl the most efficient, and bni the most accessible. Conclusions: The methodology could help library services in purchase decisions as the measure for accessibility, and odds ratio testing helped to differentiate database performance.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is proposed that the lack of a research culture among the Libyan medical professionals is one of the factors contributing to this decline, which coincided with the departure of expatriate doctors from Libya.
Abstract: Background: It is well established that Libya is lagging behind its peers in biomedical research. The aim of this study is to analyse all the original biomedical publications affiliated with Libya from 1973 to 2007. Methods: PubMed and the Science Citation Index Expanded were searched for 'original research' biomedical studies affiliated with Libya. The generated data were hand searched and 329 'original research' studies were included in the analysis. Results: The first study was published in 1973. Publication rate peaked to an average of 15.2 studies per year during 1986-1996 and dropped to an average of 8.8 studies per year during 1997-2007. Of 166 first authors; 41% were Libyans and 59% were expatriates. The latter contributed 104 studies between 1986 and 1996 and 36 studies between 1997 and 2007, while the Libyans contributed 63 and 61 studies in the two respective periods. Authors affiliated with Benghazi produced 67% of the published studies, while authors from Tripoli produced 30% and other medical schools, hospitals and research centres from other Libyan cities produced only 3%. Conclusion: This study showed a decline in biomedical research publication in Libya. We propose that the lack of a research culture among the Libyan medical professionals is one of the factors contributing to this decline, which coincided with the departure of expatriate doctors from Libya. Raising awareness of the importance of research and improving research skills among Libyan medical professionals may help to reverse the current trend.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A new role for health science librarians in improving medical communication and reporting is defined and a better understanding of the mass media's needs can provide much needed support in the field of health communication.
Abstract: Background: Health authorities, hospitals, commercial enterprises, and mass media all deliver health and medical communication in different forms. With such a vast amount of biomedical and clinical information available, any action to ensure the spread of clinically relevant news items is welcome. Objectives: This paper tries to define a new role for health science librarians in improving medical communication and reporting. Methods: Literature relating to the health and medical reporting is analysed to identify major difficulties encountered by health communicators. Results: There are two areas where health science librarians can develop new roles in health communication: (i) supporting journalists and health communicators in selecting sources and understanding scientific papers, and (ii) directly translating scientific information into news items, supplying a list of products in this direction (i.e. targeted newsletters, media releases, news items). New skills and competencies needed to cope with the new roles are described in detail in a suggested academic curriculum for health communicators. Conclusions: A better understanding of the mass media's needs can provide much needed support in the field of health communication.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Research bulletins support busy health professionals in evidence-based practice by assigning a level of evidence, highlighting implications for practice and providing a comment on quality.
Abstract: Objectives: To create research bulletins for public health professionals that support knowledge transfer and evidence-based practice. Methods: The methodology for the bulletins comprises five stages: scoping the topic, searching for relevant literature, selecting and obtaining relevant articles, assessing the quality of articles including evidence grading, producing a comment on quality and implications for practice and writing the research bulletin. An ABC—applicability, brevity and clarity—is considered at each stage to ensure that bulletins meet the needs of their intended audience. Results: Nine research bulletins have been produced on a range of health promotion topics. Bulletins are distributed to Welsh health professionals and are available online. The bulletins have developed since their inception to incorporate evaluation and feedback. Most significant among these developments has been introduction of an Implications for Practice section to promote uptake of research. Conclusions: Research bulletins support busy health professionals in evidence-based practice by assigning a level of evidence, highlighting implications for practice and providing a comment on quality. The bulletins further develop the extended role for information professionals in knowledge transfer and dissemination.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The way in which NHS Education for Scotland are looking to reinforce the importance, and show the value, of their teaching by creating and implementing an information literacy framework is discussed.
Abstract: In her last learning and teaching in action column (December 2008) Margaret Forrest talked about adding value to the library and information profession. In our profession this is something that is demanded of us and is something that we all strive to, and many of us do regularly, achieve. In my first column Eilean Craig discusses the way in which NHS Education for Scotland are looking to reinforce the importance, and show the value, of their teaching by creating and implementing an information literacy framework.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of this study show that the GLOBAL HEALTH database is complimentary to MEDLINE in the subject areas of public health and global health.
Abstract: Background: Access to a comprehensive public health index or database has been identified as problematic for health professionals. Public health literature contains many varied sources including reports, journal articles, and grey literature. Traditional biomedical databases such as medline often do not meet the needs of public health workers and researchers. Aim/Methods: The aim of the study was to examine the unique content of the global health database, by comparing it to the medline database. Pre-determined terms were used as baseline comparators where controlled vocabulary definitions in each database were sufficiently matched. Retrieved results were stored and compared using EndNote libraries. Results: Results obtained from the terms used in the comparison study protocol suggest that the global health database holds a high proportion of unique records in comparison to medline. The largest overlap of duplicates from the global health database perspective came from the coccidiomycosis results set which contained 70.5% of references retrieved from both databases. Analyzing the results from a medline perspective, the subject with the largest overlap was dengue, with a 43% overlap. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the global health database is complimentary to medline in the subject areas of public health and global health.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In order to implement change, information providers across the National Health Service (NHS) will need to work collaboratively to overcome attitudinal and institutional barriers, including the key issue of funding.
Abstract: Aims and objectives : UK health policy advocates a patient-centred approach to patient care. Library services could serve the rehabilitation needs of mental health service users through bibliotherapy (the use of written, audio or e-learning materials to provide therapeutic support). Part 2 of this two-part paper assesses the views of psychiatric libraries in the UK on providing access to service users and possible services provided. Methods : An e-mail questionnaire survey of psychiatric library members of the psychiatric lending co-operative scheme ( n = 100) obtained a response rate of 55%, mostly from libraries based in hospitals. Results : At present, libraries funded by the health service provide minimal facilities for service users. Librarians are uncertain about the benefits and practicalities of providing access to service users. Conclusions : In order to implement change, information providers across the National Health Service (NHS) will need to work collaboratively to overcome attitudinal and institutional barriers, including the key issue of funding.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: With space at a premium in most libraries, particularly those located in a health service context, the health librarian frequently encounters pressures to withdraw outdated items from their library book stock, and is there a body of evidence to inform this process—making it more systematic and rigorous?
Abstract: With space at a premium in most libraries, particularly those located in a health service context, the health librarian frequently encounters pressures to withdraw outdated items from their library book stock. Should this be left to the experience and expertise of the ‘librarian on the spot’? Or is there, perhaps, a body of evidence to inform this process—making it more systematic and rigorous? This question came to my mind recently. Indeed, it reawakened distant memories of a Regional Stock Withdrawal Initiative which I coordinated in South East Thames. 1 As 20 years might be construed a decent enough interval between uses of a terrible punning title (although some readers will disagree!) I have allowed this book-burning analogy to rise phoenix-like within the collective health librarian consciousness. Before formally considering the evidence base, we should at least acknowledge that ‘books are different’. First, given the variety of topics covered by your average health library, it is not desirable to implement some standard cut-off date regardless of discipline. Books do not have a ‘sell-by date’ to be implemented across every shelf. Nevertheless, particularly within a health context, information within books is consistently volatile. As Antman and colleagues demonstrated, 2 textbooks are particularly inefficient in capturing current knowledge. It is not exaggerating to say that outdated health information can kill, although fortunately the frequency with which such instances are reported (note, I do not say occur! ) is low enough not to require our taking out indemnity insurance. We should also appreciate that updating of editions of popular textbooks is almost exclusively determined by commercial considerations and not by a philanthropic desire to refresh prevalent medical knowledge at appropriate intervals. A second factor relates to recognition, to misquote John Donne, that ‘no book is an island entire of itself’. Each item in a book collection must be considered in relation to the collection as a whole. A library with many alternatives to a particular book considered for withdrawal may be less ‘forgiving’ than one where no such alternatives exist. Collection development policies also imbue an individual book with greater collective significance when it is designated to an area of the collection labelled as ‘core’. The existence of such policies provide an important antidote to unwelcome connotations of ‘weeding’ that evoke vacuuming up Cochrane’s classic Effectiveness and Efficiency 3

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Outreach librarians have proved to be an efficient model for promoting and driving up resources usage and PCTs with no library service have shown the lowest level of resource usage.
Abstract: Background: Within NHS North West England there are 24 primary care trusts (PCTs), all with access to different types of library services. This study aims to evaluate the impact the type of library service has on online resource usage. Methodology: We conducted a large-scale retrospective quantitative study across all PCT staff in NHS NW England using Athens sessions log data. We studied the Athens log usage of 30 381 staff, with 8273 active Athens accounts and 100 599 sessions from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007. Results: In 2007, PCTs with outreach librarians achieved 43% penetration of staff with active Athens accounts compared with PCTs with their own library service (28.23%); PCTs with service level agreements (SLAs) with acute hospital library services (22.5%) and with no library service (19.68%). This pattern was also observed when we looked at the average number of Athens user sessions per person, and usage of Dialog Datastar databases and Proquest full text journal collections. Discussion: Our findings have shown a correlation of e-resource usage and type of library service. Outreach librarians have proved to be an efficient model for promoting and driving up resources usage. PCTs with no library service have shown the lowest level of resource usage.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe needs and preferences for a mental health clinical question-answering service designed to assist the process of using research in their practices, and present a highly valued, responsive service.
Abstract: Background and objectives: Clinicians report difficulties using research in their practices. The aim of the study was to describe needs and preferences for a mental health clinical question-answering service designed to assist this process. Method: Multi-disciplinary clinicians participated in a focus group; users of the service supplied feedback. Results: Fifty-four clinicians received answers to 84 questions about mental health treatments. User ratings showed that the answers had multiple uses: informing health care (43), education (22), staff development (28) and research (12), and were considered useful, clear, relevant and helpful. Focus group participants appreciated critically appraised summaries of evidence and stressed the time-saving benefit of the service. Clinicians without a medical training were least confident in applying evidence. Attitudes to research were positive, but concern was expressed about its potential misuse for political purposes. This appeared to arise from an ambiguity around the term 'insufficient evidence', which participants felt is widely misinterpreted as 'evidence of no effect'. Conclusions: A highly valued, responsive service has been developed. A range of clinicians find critically appraised summaries of research useful. Education about the use of research may help clinicians to be more evidence based. © 2009 Health Libraries Group.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This feature uses the scenario of learning in a National Health Service (NHS) hospital setting to identify the learning process, specifically looking at the different ways in which people learn.
Abstract: This Learning and Teaching in Action feature has over the last few years looked at many different facets of teaching, such as how to evaluate the teacher through reflection 1 and how to make an induction session interactive 2 and it has considered many aspects of information literacy 3–5 In this issue, the feature goes back to basics and examines how people learn. Is that not the key to any successful training session? Teaching should start and finish with the learner at the centre of the process. Learning does not only take place in an education setting and it is not always traditionally qualified teachers that provide the stimuli for learning. This feature uses the scenario of learning in a National Health Service (NHS) hospital setting. It will identify the learning process, specifically looking at the different ways in which people learn. It will examine and discuss the key learning theories and identify key aspects that should be taken into account when setting goals for learning.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although the fall in document supply activity is expected to continue, a critical mass of information is likely to remain behind subscription barriers and this, in turn, will necessitate supply from external sources.
Abstract: Background: The Library and Information for Health Network North West (LIHNN) represents health libraries in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Merseyside and Wirral LIHNN members take part in a regional co-operative network supporting interlending and document supply Methods: Data were analysed over a 4-year period to identify trends and patterns In addition, a literature review was conducted to compare trends seen in NHS libraries to those trends seen in other sectors and in other countries Results/trends: Between 2003/2004 and 2006/2007 there was a significant drop in document supply activity reported by NHS North West libraries from 59 321 to 37 134 copies, representing a fall of 374% During the same period, lending between libraries stayed constant Discussion: The NHS supplies a significant number of documents to its users and it is investigating a number of options to increase efficiencies The observed fall in document supply activity has been reported in several sectors and has been attributed to a number of cofactors Although the fall in document supply activity is expected to continue, a critical mass of information is likely to remain behind subscription barriers and this, in turn, will necessitate supply from external sources