Showing papers in "Health Information and Libraries Journal in 2019"

Meeting the review family: exploring review types and associated information retrieval requirements.

Abstract: Background and objectives The last decade has witnessed increased recognition of the value of literature reviews for advancing understanding and decision making. This has been accompanied by an expansion in the range of methodological approaches and types of review. However, there remains uncertainty over definitions and search requirements beyond those for the ‘traditional’ systematic review. This study aims to characterise health related reviews by type and to provide recommendations on appropriate methods of information retrieval based on the available guidance. Methods A list of review types was generated from published typologies and categorised into ‘families’ based on their common features. Guidance on information retrieval for each review type was identified by searching pubmed, medline and Google Scholar, supplemented by scrutinising websites of review producing organisations. Results Forty‐eight review types were identified and categorised into seven families. Published guidance reveals increasing specification of methods for information retrieval; however, much of it remains generic with many review types lacking explicit requirements for the identification of evidence. Conclusions Defining review types and utilising appropriate search methods remain challenging. By familiarising themselves with a range of review methodologies and associated search methods, information specialists will be better equipped to select suitable approaches for future projects.

Development of a search filter to identify reports of controlled clinical trials within CINAHL Plus

Abstract: Background Evidence synthesis reviews in health care rely on the efficient identification of research evidence, particularly evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). There are no recently validated filters to identify RCTs in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Plus). Objectives To develop, test and validate a search filter to identify reports of RCTs from CINAHL Plus. Methods Nine sets of relevant and irrelevant records were identified to develop and test search filters iteratively. Two sets were used to validate the sensitivity and precision of the filters. The performance of two previously published filters and the filter built into EBSCOhost was evaluated. Results We present a validated filter which offers sensitivity of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77-0.95) and precision of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.31-0.41). This is comparable to the sensitivity of published filters, but has much better precision. Conclusions A sensitive and precise filter, developed using records selected based on title and abstract information, is available for identifying reports of RCTs in the CINAHL Plus database via EBSCOhost. Using this filter is likely to reduce the number of results needing to be screened to a quarter of those retrieved by other published filters.

Novel insights into views towards H1N1 during the 2009 Pandemic: a thematic analysis of Twitter data

Abstract: Background: Infectious disease outbreaks have the potential to cause a high number of fatalities and are a very serious public health risk. Objectives: Our aim was to utilise an indepth method to study a period of time where the H1N1 Pandemic of 2009 was at its peak. Methods: A data set of n = 214 784 tweets was retrieved and filtered, and the method of thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Eight key themes emerged from the analysis of data: emotion and feeling, health related information, general commentary and resources, media and health organisations, politics, country of origin, food, and humour and/or sarcasm. Discussion: A major novel finding was that due to the name ‘swine flu’, Twitter users had the belief that pigs and pork could host and/or transmit the virus. Our paper also considered the methodological implications for the wider field of library and information science as well as specific implications for health information and library workers. Conclusions: Novel insights were derived on how users communicate about disease outbreaks on social media platforms. Our study also provides an innovative methodological contribution because it was found that by utilising an indepth method it was possible to extract greater insight into user communication.

Translating the Cochrane EMBASE RCT filter from the Ovid interface to Embase.com: a case study

Abstract: Background Information specialists frequently translate search filters from one interface to another. Publications advise that translation can be complex and should be undertaken carefully. Objectives To investigate the issues arising when translating the Cochrane Embase RCT search filter from one interface (Ovid) to another (Embase.com). Methods We drafted a translation of the Cochrane Ovid RCT filter to run in Embase.com. We compared the line-by-line results of the Ovid filter with the results of the translation. We revised the filter. We identified differences between database versions including records with different publication years and subject headings. Some records were in Embase in one interface but not in the other. We encountered expected interface differences relating to proximity operators. We also encountered unexpected interface issues around truncation and the use of the original title or original abstract field. Discussion Filter conversion is challenging and time consuming revealing unexpected differences in interfaces and databases. Careful planning can pre-empt some issues, but others may only emerge during testing. We identified interface anomalies that have led database publishers to review aspects of the way their interfaces work. Conclusions Translators should be vigilant for known and unknown differences in both interfaces and database versions.

Topic search filters: a systematic scoping review.

Abstract: Background Searching for topics within large biomedical databases can be challenging, especially when topics are complex, diffuse, emerging or lack definitional clarity. Experimentally derived topic search filters offer a reliable solution to effective retrieval; however, their number and range of subject foci remain unknown. Objectives This systematic scoping review aims to identify and describe available experimentally developed topic search filters. Methods Reports on topic search filter development (1990-) were sought using grey literature sources and 15 databases. Reports describing the conception and prospective development of a database-specific topic search and including an objectively measured estimate of its performance ('sensitivity') were included. Results Fifty-four reports met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and thematically synthesised to describe the characteristics of 58 topic search filters. Discussion Topic search filters are proliferating and cover a wide range of subjects. Filter reports, however, often lack clear definitions of concepts and topic scope to guide users. Without standardised terminology, filters are challenging to find. Information specialists may benefit from a centralised topic filter repository and appraisal checklists to facilitate quality assessment. Conclusion Findings will help information specialists identify existing topic search filters and assist filter developers to build on current knowledge in the field.

Health information in the digital age: an empirical study of the perceived benefits and costs of seeking and using health information from online sources.

Abstract: Objective This paper aims to explore the determinants of the online health information seeking (OHIS) and usage (OHIU) behaviours of consumers based on the perceived benefits and costs of such activities. Methods This study applies questionnaires and empirical research methods. A questionnaire is designed according to the hypothesis model. A total of 282 questionnaires are obtained from patients and their accompanying families in two large hospitals, and the SPSS 17.0 and AMOS 17.0 (IBM, Almond, NY, USA) software are used to analyse the sample data and to test the research models. Results Three key findings are obtained from the analysis. Firstly, functional, learning, social and personal integrative benefits positively affect the OHIS intent of consumers. Secondly, cognitive costs negatively influence the OHIU behaviour of consumers. Thirdly, personal integrative benefits and OHIS behaviour significantly influence the OHIU behaviour of consumers. Conclusion This paper highlights the differences between OHIS and OHIU based on their impact factors and applies social exchange theory to understand such factors. Online health information providers must improve the ease of use of their websites or applications, enhance the quality of their health information and focus on their functionality.

Health information behaviour of rare disease patients: seeking, finding and sharing health information.

Abstract: Background Rare disease patients find independent health information seeking necessary due to the general lack of knowledge on rare diseases and inadequate information provision by health care professionals. Objective The aim of this study is to describe distinctive aspects of health information behaviour of rare disease patients and specific challenges they face when seeking health information. Methods A qualitative research approach was employed including semi-structured interviews that were analysed using thematic analysis. Fifteen respondents suffering from three different rare diseases participated in the study. Results Health information behaviour of rare disease patients is characterised by independent and continuous health information seeking and sharing. Connecting with other patients and getting realistic insight into the condition after diagnosis, advice for everyday life, comfort and hope and confirmation that their symptoms are 'normal' are of particular importance. Lack of specific advice for daily life, inaccessible new knowledge, lack of information about drugs and encountering severe health information are common challenges patients face due to insufficient support from health care professionals. Conclusion Health information seeking and sharing are important aspects of rare disease patients' everyday life. Challenges they face could be overcome in cooperation with patient support groups, health care professionals and health information professionals.

Teaching information literacy skills to medical students: perceptions of health sciences librarians.

Abstract: Background This paper is the second part of a two phase, sequential mixed method study. Objectives To get the views of medical librarians in Pakistan regarding information literacy (IL) skills of medical students and how to teach them IL skills. Methods Structured interviews were conducted with 20 medical librarians in Pakistan. We audio recorded, transcribed all the interviews and performed content analysis and coding of the textual data. We presented the emerging themes with the frequency of their appearance. Results Interviewees agreed that the IL skills of their students were inadequate. Participants suggested that librarians should train students through mandatory IL instruction programmes, designed in coordination with medical faculty. However, workshops/seminars were considered the most effective IL delivery methods for medical faculty and clinicians. The majority of respondents supported the integration of IL instruction into the curriculum as an independent and credit course. Discussion Teaching IL skills to medical students requires proper planning. Therefore, librarians have to prove their place within the curricular structure of the institution and develop understanding of the pedagogy of instruction. Conclusion Librarians must collaborate with faculty to train students in advanced information skills. There is a need to integrate IL instruction into the curriculum at all levels.

The Embase UK filter: validation of a geographic search filter to retrieve research about the UK from OVID Embase.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The authors developed a validated geographic search filter to retrieve research about the United Kingdom (UK) from OVID Embase. It was created to be used alongside their previously published OVID MEDLINE UK filter in systematic literature searches for context-sensitive topics. OBJECTIVES To develop a validated geographic search filter to retrieve research about the UK from OVID Embase. METHODS The Embase UK filter was translated from the MEDLINE UK filter. A gold standard set of references was generated using the relative recall method. The set contained references to publications about the UK that had informed National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance and it was used to validate the filter. Recall, precision and number-needed-to-read (NNR) were calculated using a case study. RESULTS The validated Embase UK filter demonstrated 99.8% recall against the references with UK identifiers in the gold standard set. In the case study, the Embase UK filter demonstrated 98.5% recall, 7.6% precision and a NNR of 13. CONCLUSION The Embase UK filter can be used alongside the MEDLINE UK filter. The filters have the potential to save time and associated resource costs when they are used for context-sensitive topics that require research about UK settings.

Health information seeking behaviour: the librarian's role in supporting digital and health literacy.

Abstract: This paper is based on Rachel Butler's dissertation carried out at the University of Sheffield as part of the MA Library and Information Services Management. The study examines people's online health information seeking skills, with the specific aim to identify how libraries and health services can work together in supporting digital and health literacy. A survey approach is used to explore online searching habits as well as librarian and health professionals' views on health literacy. The key findings indicate that whilst the majority of respondents consider themselves to be health literate, there was an overall agreement that effective education and support could be achieved through the collaboration between libraries and health services, and specifically to signpost information and to provide targeted education. The limitations of the research for dissertation are recognised leading to recommendations that further study focuses on the impact of signposting and education on health literacy.F.J.

Involving libraries in improving health literacy to achieve Sustainable Development Goal-3 in developing economies: a literature review.

Abstract: Background The Goal 3 (SDG-3) of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) incorporates 13 targets that cut across pressing health concerns globally. Health literacy has however been linked to achieving good health in the society, and its improvement in developing economies could aid the achievement of SDG-3. Objective The review focused on identifying actions that can be implemented by libraries to enhance health literacy and access to information among health care practitioners and consumers to support the achievement of SDG-3 in developing countries, especially Nigeria. Method A literature search was conducted on reputable academic databases, namely sciencedirect, doaj, google scholar, pubmed and jstor. Similar keyword combinations were used to obtain articles, with filters set to search the keywords in article titles or abstract. Relevant criteria were used to screen the literature. Results Results from the literature searching were grouped under six themes that emerged from the literature. The value of libraries in health care was discussed, and suggestions were made for implementation in libraries. Conclusion It was concluded that libraries in developing economies have to take actions to improve users' health literacy in order to become prominent stakeholders in the process of achieving SDG-3.

Medical academic libraries in Romania - breaking with the past and turning towards the future.

Abstract: This article is part of a series in this regular feature which looks at new directions in health science libraries. This article provides an updated overview of medical libraries in Romania, with a focus on the academic libraries which function under the patronage of medical schools. Information was collected through a survey questionnaire sent out to Romanian academic medical libraries in March 2017. The responses provide an overall picture of the state of Romanian medical libraries, highlighting the main trends and areas in which progress is evident, as well as the problems confronting these libraries. J.M.

Electronic healthcare records and data quality.

Abstract: This paper is based on Victoria Charnock's MA dissertation carried out as part of her Masters in Leadership and Management in Healthcare at the University of Salford and supervised by Professor Hardiker. A review of current literature was conducted to provide a robust and dimensional definition of data quality in the field of health care. This was used as the basis on which to assess the effect that electronic health care records has had in practice, specifically on data quality and according to the dimensions of accuracy, completeness and use of data. All of the papers reviewed referred to the importance of accuracy and completeness, identifying the advantages of electronic health records in their use of standardized data entry controls. Drawing on the third dimension in the definition, use of data, the impact that system design may have on data quality and implications for staff training is further discussed and recommendations made. F.J.

Provision of consumer health information in Alberta's Rural Public Libraries.

Abstract: Background Access to health services is a major challenge in many rural communities within Canada. Rural public libraries can serve as centres for health resources. Objective The aim of this exploratory study was to analyse the manner in which Alberta's rural libraries provide health information to their patrons. Methods A questionnaire including closed ended and open ended questions was sent to the 285 rural libraries across the Canadian province of Alberta. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis techniques were used for the data analysis. Results The findings indicate that in three quarters of Alberta's rural libraries, about 10% of requests for assistance were related to health issues. The provision of health information in these libraries is hampered by the lack of Internet, private space for reference interviews, and staff and volunteer training. Library staff members were inexperienced in conducting reference transactions and reported lacking confidence in meeting patrons' needs and ethical standards. Discussion Addressing these challenges will require the recruitment of more qualified librarians in rural library systems, possibly through incentive measures, and a comprehensive education and training programme for both staff and volunteers combined with the necessary resource support for the rural libraries. Conclusion When human and material resources are adequate, rural libraries can contribute to improving the health literacy of their communities.

Medical library services in Switzerland: catching up with EBM.

Abstract: The feature is a part of the series about medical library services in various countries. It gives an overview of medical library services to support research, education and clinical practice in Switzerland. Data were collected by means of an online survey and set in the wider context of the Swiss healthcare system. Key findings are that library services, including support by academic librarians, are provided to health care staff in hospitals - both university and others, while there is no information service infrastructure to serve the large number of GPs and specialists who mostly run their own practice. The authors recommend that - if the health authorities take EBM seriously - information services should be introduced for these small practices. J.M.

The impact of orphan drug policies in treating rare diseases.

Abstract: This paper is based on Shalini Weerasooriya's Masters dissertation in Public Health at the University of Sheffield. A literature review was conducted to understand the role that orphan drug policies have played in the development of new treatments for rare diseases. The impacts of the policies were categorised as 'tangible' or 'intangible' and further synthesis identified 10 main themes such as incentives for investment, criteria for eligibility and assessment of drug applications and further guidance to industry during the drug development cycle. The review concludes that whilst policies have contributed positively towards improving the research and development of orphan drugs it has not exhausted its uses and must now shift its focus to facilitating greater accessibility and affordability of the treatments and that stakeholders are essential to the success of this process. Implications for practice are identified, for example the need to further update and refine the policy with changing demographics and advancing technologies and, in particular, greater collaboration and involvement through, for example, evidence based training programmes is recommended. It is concluded that focus must shift to address the gap between having available drugs and being able to access and afford them. F.J.

Impact of pharmacy medicine information service advice on clinician and patient outcomes: an overview.

Abstract: Background Pharmacy‐led medicine information (MI) services are available in many countries to support clinicians and patients make decisions on use of medicines. Objectives To establish what impact, if any, pharmacy‐led MI services have on clinician and patient outcomes. Methods All published works indexed in Embase or PubMed, meeting this review's inclusion and exclusion criteria, that wholly or partially attempted to measure the effects of MI advice were retrieved and assessed. Results Twenty studies were reviewed. Five broad themes were identified describing study findings, three were specific to clinicians: their views on the effect MI answers had; actions they took; and influence on their decision making. A fourth theme centred on patient utilisation of advice, and the fifth on ‘process measures’ attempting to determine MI worth. Discussion Studies report on positive patient outcomes as a direct result of MI advice. Clinicians and patients acted upon the advice provided. Clinicians also reported using MI advice as a ‘safety net’, to check, reassure or confirm what to do. MI advice also demonstrated economic worth, although these studies are old. Conclusion MI Service advice appears to affect clinician and patient outcomes. However, study design limitations require findings be viewed cautiously.

Optimal search strategies for identifying moderators and predictors of treatment effects in PubMed.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Treatment effects differ across patients. To guide selection of treatments for patients, it is essential to acknowledge these differences and identify moderators or predictors. Our aim was to generate optimal search strategies (commonly known as filters) for PubMed to retrieve papers identifying moderators and predictors of treatment effects. METHODS: Six journals were hand-searched for articles on moderators or predictors. Selected articles were randomly allocated to a development and validation set. Search terms were extracted from the development set and tested for their performance. Search filters were created from combinations of these terms and tested in the validation set. RESULTS: Of 4407 articles, 198 were considered to be relevant. The most sensitive filter in the development set '("Epidemiologic Methods" [MeSH] OR assign* OR control*[tiab] OR trial*[tiab]) AND therapy*[sh]' yielded in the validation set a sensitivity of 89% [88%-90%] and a specificity of 80% [79%-82%]. CONCLUSIONS: The search filters created in this study can help to efficiently retrieve evidence on moderators and predictors of treatment effect. Testing of the filters in multiple domains should reveal robustness across disciplines. These filters can facilitate the retrieval of evidence on moderators and predictors of treatment effects, helping the implementation of stratified or personalised health care.

Demonstrating the impact of your teaching: benefits of Higher Education Academy Fellowship for librarians.

Abstract: This feature suggests that health librarians who teach or support Higher Education (HE) students can and should gain accreditation and recognition for their teaching by the route of HEA Fellowship. We outline the process by which Fellowship could be attained by those working within HE and those in NHS libraries who work with HE students, suggesting which aspects of librarianship practice could provide the necessary evidence for Fellowship. The synergies between Fellowship and Chartership are examined and the criteria for HEA (UK Professional Standards Framework or UKPSF) are mapped against those for Chartership (Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB). D.I.

New roles and challenges for health information specialists: professional changes over the years.

Abstract: In this article, guest writers from the Istituto Superiore di Sanita in Italy, the leading scientific technical body of the Italian National Health Service present a historic case study considering the role and evolution of the information specialists at their institution over a twenty year period. The paper places a particular emphasis on the initiatives undertaken in consumer health information and health literacy promotion, in order to improve public health in Italy. Areas covered include the development of online health information provision, early strategies to support the improvement of health literacy, and national projects and collaborations. H.S.

Ugandan health libraries in the 21st century: key initiatives and challenges.

Abstract: This article is part of a series in this regular feature which looks at new directions in health science libraries. This paper highlights new initiatives aimed at ensuring health libraries can contribute to the development of Uganda in the 21st century and the challenges facing libraries. It stresses that for libraries to be successful they need to form networks and collaborations for resource sharing; take advantage of the benefits of information technology; computerise their library systems; as well as invest in the development of staff. The paper highlights the main challenge facing the library service as inadequate funding both from government for public-funded health libraries and the private sector (for privately funded health libraries). The paper concludes that, despite the bottlenecks brought about by inadequate funding, Ugandan health libraries have taken positive steps to support health research and education, as well as patient care, not just for Uganda, but for the whole of the East African region. J.M.

Towards a deeper understanding of meaningful use in electronic health records

Abstract: Objective The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse the US Health Sector concept of the 'Meaningful Use' of electronic health records (EHR's) based on the wide diversity of discourses in the published literature. Meaningful Use is defined as 'use of digital medical and health records to improve quality, safety and efficiency of patient health information'. Methods Herman Dooyeweerd's philosophical suite of aspects was the chosen research tool used to analyse seminal papers concerning the Meaningful Use of EHRs. The methodology included the identification of the criteria for choosing the papers: application of the criteria to the literature and then selection of the papers and finally the application of Dooyeweerd's aspects to the papers in order to analyse and classify the motivations of the authors. Results As a result of the aspectual analysis of the relevant texts in the seminal papers, two aspects were identified, one as primary and another one as secondary. In addition, the analytic aspect was repeated twice as the primary aspect. Although there were a number of papers distinctively centred on different aspects, overlaps and similarities were also clearly identified. Discussion Dooyeweerd's philosophy is useful in helping to affirm the factors that are important to the authors of the seminal papers and the philosophy helps us to accommodate this diversity in a unique way, therefore enhancing our understanding of approaches in the area. Conclusion By employing the lens of Dooyeweerd's aspects, the study enhances the understanding of diversity in one discipline and could potentially provide a new system for the classification of diversity within other related disciplines.

The development of search filters for adverse effects of medical devices in medline and embase.

Abstract: Background: Objectively derived search filters for adverse drug effects and complications in surgery have been developed but not for medical device adverse effects. Objective: To develop and validate search filters to retrieve evidence on medical device adverse effects from ovid medline and embase. Methods: We identified systematic reviews from Epistemonikos and the Health Technology Assessment (hta) database. Included studies within these reviews that reported on medical device adverse effects were randomly divided into three test sets and one validation set of records. Using word frequency analysis from one test set, we constructed a sensitivity maximising search strategy. This strategy was refined using two other test sets, then validated. Results: From 186 systematic reviews which met our inclusion criteria, 1984 unique included studies were available from medline and 1986 from embase. Generic adverse effects searches in medline and embase achieved 84% and 83% sensitivity. Recall was improved to over 90%, however, when specific adverse effects terms were added. Conclusion: We have derived and validated novel search filters that retrieve over 80% of records with medical device adverse effects data in medline and embase. The addition of specific adverse effects terms is required to achieve higher levels of sensitivity.

lilacs search strategy for systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies.

Abstract: Background There are few publications on search strategies to identify diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies in lilacs. Objective To translate and customise medline search strategies for use in lilacs and assess their retrieval of studies in Cochrane DTA systematic reviews. Method We developed a six-step process to translate and customise medline search strategies for use in lilacs (iAHx interface). We identified medline search strategies of published Cochrane DTA reviews, translated/customised them for use in lilacs, ran searches in lilacs and compared the retrieval results of our translated search strategy versus the one used in the published reviews. Results Our lilacs search strategies translated/customised from the medline strategies retrieved studies in 70 Cochrane DTA reviews. Only 29 of these reviews stated that they had searched the lilacs database and 21 published their lilacs search strategies. Few had used the lilacs database search tools, none exploded the subject headings, and 86% used only English terms. Conclusion Translating and tailoring a medline search strategy for the lilacs database resulted in the retrieval of DTA studies that would have been missed otherwise.

Tanzanian health libraries in the 21st century: initiatives and challenges.

Abstract: This article is part of a series in this regular feature, which looks at new directions in health science libraries. It highlights the initiatives health science librarians in Tanzania are implementing to ensure that their service meets users' needs. To succeed, libraries must take steps to ensure that staff have access to education, training and professional development. Partnerships and collaborations are also vital to make the best use of scarce resources and to identify sources of funding. This article highlights the various challenges facing the library service and the opportunity for librarians to be recognised for the new roles they are taking on. J.M.

Expediting learning through peer teaching: experiences with the Jigsaw technique

Abstract: When designing a teaching session, lack of time and the weight of custom and practice can lead to methods being repeated routinely (Woods, 2013a). The institutional context and student demographic are also fundamental in determining teaching design (Fry, Ketteridge & Marshall, 2015). In this feature, a versatile teaching method (Jigsaw) is described with reference to theories of learning. Examples of its application in professional learning contexts are presented and discussed. D.I.

10 year anniversary

Abstract: Maria Grant reflects on her ten years as Editor-in-Chief of the Health Information and Libraries Journal, her vision to enhance the quality and reach of the journal, and working with prospective authors in the health library sector to increase confidence in recognising and communicating the value of the work being undertaken.

An open invitation to join HILJ [Journal] Club.

Abstract: Journal clubs are an effective means to increase skills in handling evidence and support the continuing professional development of library and knowledge services workers. This editorial examines the progression of HILJ Club, an online journal club, from an idea to the launch of a dedicated platform. One article is selected per issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal with an open discussion invited following a brief summary and reflections by a host. Participation in HILJ Club is growing. Future success is reliant on wider engagement, and an invitation is extended to join in the discussions or even host an edition.

Performance evaluation of three semantic expansions to query PubMed

Abstract: Background PubMed is one of the most important basic tools to access medical literature. Semantic query expansion using synonyms can improve retrieval efficacy. Objective The objective was to evaluate the performance of three semantic query expansion strategies. Methods Queries were built for forty MeSH descriptors using three semantic expansion strategies (MeSH synonyms, UMLS mappings, and mappings created by the CISMeF team), then sent to PubMed. To evaluate expansion performances for each query, the first twenty citations were selected, and their relevance were judged by three independent evaluators based on the title and abstract. Results Queries built with the UMLS expansion provided new citations with a slightly higher mean precision (74.19%) than with the CISMeF expansion (70.28%), although the difference was not significant. Inter‐rater agreement was 0.28. Results varied greatly depending on the descriptor selected. Discussion The number of citations retrieved by the three strategies and their precision varied greatly according to the descriptor. This heterogeneity could be explained by the quality of the synonyms. Optimal use of these different expansions would be through various combinations of UMLS and CISMeF intersections or unions. Conclusion Information retrieval tools should propose different semantic expansions depending on the descriptor and the search objectives.

Discussing teamwork in health care: from interprofessional collaboration to coordination and cooperation

Abstract: This doctoral research investigates teamwork, specifically collaboration, at two different hospitals both of which were highly involved in the promotion of interprofessional collaboration. The analysis of the field observations and data collected revealed that this concept did not accurately reflect daily interactions between health care professionals, but that other forms of interaction such as coordination and cooperation were more frequent. Furthermore, the use of these more specific concepts to discuss teamwork in health care enabled important differences to be observed between the clinical settings. The impact of this research in practice suggests that adopting more specific concepts would make it easier to identify relevant literature and to design policies and educational programmes that address teamwork in health care. FJ.