Most recent papers:

• Consumer health information seeking in social media: a literature review.
  Yuehua Zhao, Jin Zhang.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. October 17, 2017
  Objective The objective of this literature review was to summarise current research regarding how consumers seek health‐related information from social media. Primarily, we hope to reveal characteristics of existing studies investigating the health topics that consumers have discussed in social media, ascertaining the roles social media have played in consumers’ information‐seeking processes and discussing the potential benefits and concerns of accessing consumer health information in social media. Methods The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for existing literature on consumer health information seeking in social media. The search returned 214 articles, of which 21 met the eligibility criteria following review of full‐text documents. Conclusion Between 2011 and 2016, twenty‐one studies published explored various topics related to consumer information seeking in social media. These ranged from online discussions on specific diseases (e.g. diabetes) to public health concerns (e.g. pesticide residues). Consumers’ information needs vary depending on the health issues of interest. Benefits of health seeking on social media, in addition to filling a need for health information, include the social and emotional support health consumers gain from peer‐to‐peer interactions. These benefits, however, are tempered by concerns of information quality and authority and lead to decreased consumer engagement.

  October 17, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12192   open full text
• Barriers to using electronic evidence based literature in nursing practice: a systematised review.
  Farahnaz Sadoughi, Tania Azadi, Tannaz Azadi.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. July 20, 2017
  Background Nurses’ use of electronic literature has remained limited. Objectives The aim of this study was to identify barriers concerning application of electronic literature on evidence based practice in nursing. Methods Six bibliographic databases were searched using the following keywords: challenges, barriers, obstacles, evidence based practice, EBP, information seeking, online databases, electronic literature, bibliographic databases and nurs*. Results were filtered to peer reviewed empirical studies, written in English or Persian and published from 2010 to 2017. Studies were selected based on specified inclusion criteria, and quality of the included studies was assessed. The approved articles (n = 21) were extracted and synthesised. Discussion There are different types of barriers in using electronic evidence based literature in nursing demonstrating the issue as a multi‐faceted problem. Not having enough time to conduct a search was the first major barrier noted by almost 81% (n = 17) of the reviewed studies followed by lack of knowledge on searching skills (66%; n = 14) and access requirements (38%; n = 8). Conclusions There appears to be an important role for hospital management in providing nurses with enough time and access to online information while at work and also for health care librarians together with nursing leaders in providing the required training on using electronic evidence based literature.

  July 20, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12186   open full text
• The medline UK filter: development and validation of a geographic search filter to retrieve research about the UK from OVID medline.
  Lynda Ayiku, Paul Levay, Tom Hudson, Jenny Craven, Elizabeth Barrett, Amy Finnegan, Rachel Adams.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. July 13, 2017
  Background A validated geographic search filter for the retrieval of research about the United Kingdom (UK) from bibliographic databases had not previously been published. Objectives To develop and validate a geographic search filter to retrieve research about the UK from OVID medline with high recall and precision. Methods Three gold standard sets of references were generated using the relative recall method. The sets contained references to studies about the UK which had informed National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance. The first and second sets were used to develop and refine the medline UK filter. The third set was used to validate the filter. Recall, precision and number‐needed‐to‐read (NNR) were calculated using a case study. Results The validated medline UK filter demonstrated 87.6% relative recall against the third gold standard set. In the case study, the medline UK filter demonstrated 100% recall, 11.4% precision and a NNR of nine. Conclusion A validated geographic search filter to retrieve research about the UK with high recall and precision has been developed. The medline UK filter can be applied to systematic literature searches in OVID medline for topics with a UK focus.

  July 13, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12187   open full text
• Is there an optimum number needed to retrieve to justify inclusion of a database in a systematic review search?
  Amanda Ross‐White, Christina Godfrey.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. June 27, 2017
  Objective To determine whether calculation of a ‘Number Needed to Retrieve’ (NNTR) is possible and desirable as a means of evaluating the utility of a database for systematic review. Methods To determine an overall NNTR, eight systematic reviews were tracked to determine how many abstracts were retrieved compared to the number of articles meeting the inclusion criteria. An NNTR was calculated for each database searched to measure the utility of including it in systematic review searches. Results Across eight systematic reviews, 17 378 abstracts were reviewed. Of these, 122 met the inclusion criteria for their reviews resulting in an overall NNTR of 142. Individual reviews had an NNTR range of 28–310. Three databases delivered unique results (medline, cinahl and globalhealth). The majority of the included studies appeared in multiple databases. Only five articles were found in a single database. Conclusions This research offers a proof of concept of ‘NNTR’. While the eight review NNTRs varied widely, all were consistent with the range initially reported by Booth. Included articles consistently appeared in multiple databases, suggesting that duplicate abstracts should be screened first as these are likely to include highly relevant, high‐quality results.

  June 27, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12185   open full text
• NExT: creating an interdisciplinary alliance to diminish informational barriers for public health nursing.
  Emily M. Johnson, Krista Jones, Patricia Eathington, Carmen Howard, Rebecca Raszewski, Naomi M. Twigg.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. June 25, 2017
  Background Public health nurses (PHNs) are challenged in obtaining opportunities to learn evidence‐based practice (EBP). An interdisciplinary alliance was created between health sciences librarians and nurse educators to create a continuing education (CE) opportunity. Objective To measure the effectiveness of CE training for PHNs on the knowledge gained about the EBP process and information resources. Methods Ten in‐person CE workshops were offered to 69 attendees in rural and urban areas. A pre‐test/post‐test survey was administered immediately before and after the training that asked participants to rate their perceived knowledge and comfort levels with EBP concepts and resources. Results Ninety‐seven per cent of participants reported the training was a good use of their time. Based on a 5‐point Likert scale self‐assessment, participants developed new skills (m = 4.06, SD = 0.968) and were able to find evidence‐based literature (m = 4.16, SD = 0.980). Participants reported increasing their understanding of EBP concepts and familiarity of information resources. All data were statistically significant at P < 0.001 (95% CI). Discussion With the interdisciplinary collaboration capitalising on the instructors' disciplinary skill sets, the team was able to create a new effective EBP education intervention for PHNs. Conclusion Public health nurses were able to increase knowledge of EBP concepts and information resources to utilise in practice or grant development.

  June 25, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12184   open full text
• Effects of argument quality, source credibility and self‐reported diabetes knowledge on message attitudes: an experiment using diabetes related messages.
  Tung‐Cheng Lin, Lih‐Lian Hwang, Yung‐Jye Lai.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. May 17, 2017
  Background Previous studies have reported that credibility and content (argument quality) are the most critical factors affecting the quality of health information and its acceptance and use; however, this causal relationship merits further investigation in the context of health education. Moreover, message recipients' prior knowledge may moderate these relationships. Objectives This study used the elaboration likelihood model to determine the main effects of argument quality, source credibility and the moderating effect of self‐reported diabetes knowledge on message attitudes. Methods A between‐subjects experimental design using an educational message concerning diabetes for manipulation was applied to validate the effects empirically. A total of 181 participants without diabetes were recruited from the Department of Health, Taipei City Government. Four group messages were manipulated in terms of argument quality (high and low) × source credibility (high and low). Results Argument quality and source credibility of health information significantly influenced the attitude of message recipients. The participants with high self‐reported knowledge participants exhibited significant disapproval for messages with low argument quality. Conclusion Effective health information should provide objective descriptions and cite reliable sources; in addition, it should provide accurate, customised messages for recipients who have high background knowledge level and ability to discern message quality.

  May 17, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12181   open full text
• Factors affecting smartphone adoption for accessing information in medical settings.
  Iman Tahamtan, Sara Pajouhanfar, Shahram Sedghi, Mohsen Azad, Masoud Roudbari.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 13, 2017
  Objectives This study aimed to acquire knowledge about the factors affecting smartphone adoption for accessing information in medical settings in Iranian Hospitals. Methods A qualitative and quantitative approach was used to conduct this study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 medical residents and interns in 2013 to identify determinant factors for smartphone adoption. Afterwards, nine relationships were hypothesised. We developed a questionnaire to test these hypotheses and to evaluate the importance of each factor. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the causal relations between model parameters and to accurately identify determinant factors. Results Eight factors were identified in the qualitative phase of the study, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, training, internal environment, personal experience, social impacts, observability and job related characteristics. Among the studied factors, perceived usefulness, personal experience and job related characteristics were significantly associated with attitude to use a smartphone which accounted for 64% of the variance in attitude. Perceived usefulness had the strongest impact on attitude to use a smartphone. Conclusion The factors that emerged from interviews were consistent with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and some previous studies. TAM is a reliable model for understanding the factors of smartphone acceptance in medical settings.

  April 13, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12174   open full text
• Shaping the professional landscape through research, advocacy and education – an Australian perspective.
  Gemma Siemensma, Ann Ritchie, Suzanne Lewis.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 06, 2017
  This article is the first in a new series in this regular feature. The intention of the series is to look at important global developments in health science libraries. Librarians will be invited to share with HILJ readers key initiatives in their country or region. These articles should serve as a road map, describing the key changes in the field and exploring factors driving these changes. We initiate this series with an article by three Australian librarians who use research findings to depict the evolving professional landscape in their country. The starting point of their analysis is a report completed in 2011 which looked into likely future workforce and education requirements for health library professionals. The authors trace the achievements since then, most notably in the areas of research, advocacy and education. Clearly, a great deal has been achieved leading to a greater return on investment. The authors maintain that the key to shaping the profession and enhancing the status of librarians is ongoing professional development. To this end, Australia is promoting a systematic, competency based health specialist certification. Finally, they identify trends impacting on health librarianship, such as the growing importance of research data management and consumer health literacy. JM

  April 06, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12180   open full text
• Database selection in systematic reviews: an insight through clinical neurology.
  Matt Vassar, Vadim Yerokhin, Philip Marcus Sinnett, Matthew Weiher, Halie Muckelrath, Branden Carr, Laura Varney, Gregory Cook.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 06, 2017
  Background Failure to perform a comprehensive search when designing a systematic review (SR) can lead to bias, reducing the validity of review's conclusions. Objective We examined the frequency and choice of databases used by reviewers in clinical neurology. Methods Ninety‐five SRs and/or meta‐analyses were located across five prominent neurology journals between 2008 and 2014. Methods sections were reviewed, and all bibliographic databases were coded. Results On average, 2.59 databases were used in SR searches. Seven reviews included an information specialist, and these reviews reported a greater number of information sources used during the search process. Thirty‐nine databases were reported across studies. PubMed/MEDLINE® and EMBASE were cited most frequently. Discussion Searching too few databases may reduce the validity and generalisability of SR results. We found that the majority of systematic reviewers in clinical neurology do not search an adequate number of databases, which may yield a biased sample of primary studies and, thus, may influence the accuracy of summary effects. Conclusions Systematic reviewers should aim to search a sufficient number of databases to minimise selection bias. Additionally, systematic reviewers should include information specialists in designing SR methodology, as this may improve systematic review quality.

  April 06, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12176   open full text
• Tracing the ‘grey literature’ of poster presentations: a mapping review.
  Nicholas Rowe.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 06, 2017
  Background Posters are a popular way of presenting information at conferences. However, little research has been conducted into their development, and the patterns and extent of their use are unclear. Objectives A mapping review was performed to chart the development and utilisation of the poster medium, and to highlight the main literature themes and contributions. Methods A search for the term ‘poster presentation’ was conducted simultaneously in 249 databases. Results were categorised by discipline and analysed by decade. The results were used to form an informetric‐based mapping review. Results (i) Medicine and health care disciplines are the predominant poster users and since 1990 have accounted for 68–75% of the overall published data. (ii) Over 99% of the returns led only to abstract or title citations for conference posters. (iii) Poster presentations offer much potentially useful information, but remain difficult to access. Conclusions If the aim of poster presentation is to share and discuss information with others, then the limitations of poster abstracts and questions raised in the retrieved literature suggest that further efforts are required to make this more effective. Library and information specialists of all disciplines are likely to play a key role in such developments, and especially those from the medicine and health care disciplines which feature so prominently.

  April 06, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12177   open full text
• Supporting the library and information needs of UWE health and social care students on placement.
  Caroline Plaice, Jon Lloyd, Pauline Shaw.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. February 28, 2017
  Objective The aim of this research was to explore the library and information needs of health and social care students whilst on placement. Methods Both desk and primary research were conducted and included an online questionnaire to students and semi‐structured interviews. Results The questionnaire was completed by 252 students from a variety of programmes, equivalent to a 10% response rate. The results indicate a wide range of factors impacting on the library and information experiences of students. Whilst differences in the availability of a physical library in hospital or community locations still exist, these are mitigated by technology and a preference for home study. A significant result is that 77% (n = 193) of students on placement study at home, using a variety of Internet‐connected devices. This highlights a marked change in practice and underlines the need for mobile‐compliant e‐resources and accessible at‐a‐distance services. Conclusion As a result of this research, practical recommendations on how library support can be improved were developed including enhanced collaboration and learning with NHS colleagues, and knowledge sharing with other departments within the University who support our students.

  February 28, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12171   open full text
• Assistive technology for people with dementia: an overview and bibliometric study.
  Ikram Asghar, Shuang Cang, Hongnian Yu.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. February 13, 2017
  Background This study presents an overview of recent research activities in assistive technology (AT) for people with dementia. Bibliometric studies are used to explore breadth and depth of different research areas, yet this method has not yet been fully utilised in AT research for people with dementia. Methods The bibliometric method was used for collecting studies related to AT. Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, the AT studies with a focus on people with dementia are considered. Study Scope The study is based on factors such as number of publications, citations per paper, collaborative research output, P‐Index, major research and application areas and national dementia strategies. Data Collection Data were collected from 2000 to 2014 in AT research. The top 10 countries are selected based on their research outputs. Results USA emerged as the leading contributor with 503 publications and an annual growth rate of 16%, followed by UK with 399 publications and growth rate of 22%. Germany with 101 publications is on the 6th place, but it has a higher citation rate 16.43% as compared to USA (13.34%). Although all 10 countries show good collaborative research output, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands emerge as top collaborative research contributors with high percentages (84%, 84% and 79%). All the top 10 countries, except Canada, Germany and Spain, have national dementia strategies in place. Conclusion The overall analysis shows that USA and UK are working extensively in AT research for people with dementia. Both these countries also have well established national dementia strategies.

  February 13, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12173   open full text
• Online information search behaviour of physicians.
  Patrick Mikalef, Panos E. Kourouthanassis, Adamantia G. Pateli.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. February 07, 2017
  Background Although doctors increasingly engage in online information seeking to complement their medical practice, little is known regarding what online information sources are used and how effective they are. Objective Grounded on self‐determination and needs theory, this study posits that doctors tend to use online information sources to fulfil their information requirements in three pre‐defined areas: patient care, knowledge development and research activities. Fulfilling these information needs is argued to improve doctors' perceived medical practice competence. Methods Performing PLS‐SEM analysis on primary survey data from 303 medical doctors practicing in four major Greek hospitals, a conceptual model is empirically tested. Results Using authoritative online information sources was found to fulfil all types of information needs. Contrarily, using non‐authoritative information sources had no significant effect. Satisfying information requirements relating to patient care and research activities enhanced doctors' perceptions about their medical practice competence. In contrast, meeting knowledge development information needs had the opposite result. Discussion Consistent with past studies, outcomes indicate that doctors tend to use non‐authoritative online information sources; yet their use was found to have no significant value in fulfilling their information requirements. Conclusions Authoritative online information sources are found to improve perceived medical practice competence by satisfying doctors' diverse information requirements.

  February 07, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12170   open full text
• Negotiating concepts of evidence‐based practice in the provision of good service for nursing and allied health professionals.
  Jill McTavish.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. January 01, 2017
  Objective The principles of evidence‐based medicine have been critiqued by the ‘caring’ professions, such as nursing and social work, and evidence‐informed medicine has been proposed as a more client‐centred, integrative approach to practice. The purpose of this study was to explore how Canadian health science librarians who serve nurses and allied health professionals define good service and how they negotiate evidence‐based principles in their searching strategies. Method Twenty‐two librarians completed a 30 minute, semi‐structured phone interview about strategies for providing good service and supporting evidence‐based services. Participants were also asked to respond to three challenging search scenarios. Analysis of results used grounded theory methods. Results Participants’ definitions of good service and strategies for supporting evidence‐based practice involved discussions about types of services provided, aspects of the librarian providing the service and aspects of the information provided during the service. Analysis of search scenarios revealed four justifications librarians rely upon when providing evidence that is in opposition to what their patron hopes to receive (evidentiary, ethical, practice‐based and boundaries of the profession). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that health science librarians are both constrained and enabled by the principles of evidence‐based medicine and especially by understandings of ‘best evidence’.

  January 01, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12167   open full text
• Development and testing of a medline search filter for identifying patient and public involvement in health research.
  Morwenna Rogers, Alison Bethel, Kate Boddy.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. January 01, 2017
  Background Research involving the public as partners often proves difficult to locate due to the variations in terms used to describe public involvement, and inability of medical databases to index this concept effectively. Objective To design a search filter to identify literature where patient and public involvement (PPI) was used in health research. Methods A reference standard of 172 PPI papers was formed. The references were divided into a development set and a test set. Search terms were identified from common words, phrases and synonyms in the development set. These terms were combined as a search strategy for medline via OvidSP, which was then tested for sensitivity against the test set. The resultant search filter was then assessed for sensitivity, specificity and precision using a previously published systematic review. Results The search filter was found to be highly sensitive 98.5% in initial testing. When tested against results generated by a ‘real‐life’ systematic review, the filter had a specificity of 81%. However, sensitivity dropped to 58%. Adjustments to the population group of terms increased the sensitivity to 73%. Conclusion The PPI filter designed for medline via OvidSP could aid information specialists and researchers trying to find literature specific to PPI.

  January 01, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12157   open full text
• Knowledge into action – supporting the implementation of evidence into practice in Scotland.
  Sandra Davies, Paul Herbert, Ann Wales, Karen Ritchie, Suzanne Wilson, Laura Dobie, Annette Thain.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. January 01, 2017
  Background The knowledge into action model for NHS Scotland provides a framework for librarians and health care staff to support getting evidence into practice. Central to this model is the development of a network of knowledge brokers to facilitate identification, use, creation and sharing of knowledge. Objective To translate the concepts described in the model into tangible activities with the intention of supporting better use of evidence in health care and subsequently improving patient outcomes. Methods Four areas of activity were addressed by small working groups comprising knowledge services staff in local and national boards. The areas of activity were as follows: defining existing and required capabilities and developing learning opportunities for the knowledge broker network; establishing national search and summarising services; developing actionable knowledge tools; and supporting person‐to‐person knowledge sharing. Conclusion This work presents the development of practical tools and support to translate a conceptual model for getting knowledge into action into a series of activities and outputs to support better use of evidence in health care and subsequently improved patient outcomes.

  January 01, 2017   doi: 10.1111/hir.12159   open full text
• A comparative review of gerontological nursing citation data.
  Marilia Y. Antunez, Marcia Henry.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. November 07, 2016
  Background Gerontological nursing is a highly interdisciplinary specialty. English‐language bibliometric research is scarce. Objectives Study gerontological nursing literature to identify journals useful for nurses and researchers working with older adults, help librarians assist gerontological nursing authors to find publication outlets and make library collection decisions. Methods Using a combination of methods, the authors identified cited journals in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing (JGN) and Geriatric Nursing (GN) from 2008 to 2010 using part of the Nursing and Allied Health Resources (NAHRS) Section protocol. A list was generated and compared to the results of an earlier unpublished NAHRS study and an earlier review article. A second list was developed following set criteria of bibliometric indicators and journal lists. Results Zone 1 showed 28 journals, and Zone 2 had 1472 titles. Zone 1 journals were examined further based on the inclusion of certain bibliometrics and journal lists. Discussion Providing insight into the complementary use comparative review and citation mapping, this study reports an increase in gerontological nursing research from 2008 to 2010 across a diverse group of highly cited journals. Conclusion A list of new journal titles is presented to aid collection development and suggestions of places to publish gerontological research.

  November 07, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12162   open full text
• Stem cell research: the role of information seeking and scanning.
  Sara Nelissen, Jan Van den Bulck, Marijke Lemal, Kathleen Beullens.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. November 07, 2016
  Background The mass media have held an ongoing debate about stem cell research. However, few studies have investigated how individuals obtain information on stem cell research and whether this affects their knowledge and perspectives on stem cell research. Objective This study aims to investigate whether (i) cancer‐diagnosed and non‐diagnosed individuals differ in terms of their acquisition of stem cell research information, (ii) whether this information acquisition is associated with stem cell research knowledge and perspectives and (iii) whether having had a cancer diagnosis moderates these associations. Method A standardised, cross‐sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample of 621 cancer‐diagnosed and 1387 non‐diagnosed individuals in Flanders (Belgium). Results The results indicate that stem cell research information acquisition explains a significant part of the variance of stem cell research knowledge (8.9%) and of the societal benefits of stem cell research (6.7%) and of embryonic stem cell research evaluation (3.9%) and morality (2%). These associations did not differ between cancer‐diagnosed and non‐diagnosed individuals but cancer‐diagnosed individuals did seek more stem cell research information. Conclusion Acquiring stem cell research information, both intentionally and unintentionally, is positively related to stem cell research knowledge and perspectives. Future research should further identify ways to promote health information acquisition behaviour because it is associated with better knowledge and more positive opinion formation.

  November 07, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12160   open full text
• Interactions and user‐perceived helpfulness in diet information social questions & answers.
  Yin Zhang, Peilin Wang.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. November 04, 2016
  Background Online health information seeking using social questions and answers (Social Q&A) sites has been increasingly popular in recent years. It calls for better understanding of health information seeking behaviour and interactions between information seekers and information providers. Objectives The study investigates how diet information seekers interact with information providers on WebMD Answers, which is a Social Q&A site devoted to health‐related topics, and examines the factors that constitute a ‘helpful’ answer from an information seeker's perspective. Methods Bales’ interaction process analysis was applied as the framework to analyse 568 diet‐related Q&As from WebMD Answers to identify interaction patterns. Results Most diet information seekers post questions anonymously and without any detailed description. Individual experts or health organisations provide most answers. Overall, answers are positively received and had a high satisfaction rating. It was also found that information seeker‐perceived helpfulness does not depend on who answered the question but to how an information seeker posted the question. Conclusions This study indicates that answers at WebMD Answers are helpful for diet information seekers. It sheds new light on the interactions during the Q&A process, preferred site functions and important factors that contribute to perceived helpful answers.

  November 04, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12158   open full text
• Demonstrating the financial impact of clinical libraries: a systematic review.
  Anne Madden, Pamela Collins, Sondhaya McGowan, Paul Stevenson, David Castelli, Loree Hyde, Kristen DeSanto, Nancy O'Brien, Michelle Purdon, Diana Delgado.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. August 09, 2016
  Objective The purpose of this review is to evaluate the tools used to measure the financial value of libraries in a clinical setting. Methods Searches were carried out on ten databases for the years 2003—2013, with a final search before completion to identify any recent papers. Results Eleven papers met the final inclusion criteria. There was no evidence of a single ‘best practice’, and many metrics used to measure financial impact of clinical libraries were developed on an ad hoc basis locally. The most common measures of financial impact were value of time saved, value of resource collection against cost of alternative sources, cost avoidance and revenue generated through assistance on grant submissions. Few papers provided an insight into the longer term impact on the library service resulting from submitting return on investment (ROI) or other financial impact statements. Conclusions There are limited examples of metrics which clinical libraries can use to measure explicit financial impact. The methods highlighted in this literature review are generally implicit in the measures used and lack robustness. There is a need for future research to develop standardised, validated tools that clinical libraries can use to demonstrate their financial impact.

  August 09, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12151   open full text
• HIV information needs of parents of young men who have sex with men.
  India D. Rose, Daniela B. Friedman.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. July 06, 2016
  Objective Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have unique health concerns, including high rates of HIV infection. To prevent HIV, YMSM need credible information from trusted sources, specifically parents. Little is known about what health information resources parents of YMSM need to communicate with their child about HIV prevention. The primary objective of this study was to examine the proxy health information seeking behaviours of parents of YMSM and to identify information resources that parents need to communicate with their YMSM identified child about HIV prevention. Methods Qualitative findings were grouped into four categories: parents’ current health information sources; barriers to seeking health information; parents’ health information needs; and recommendations for delivery of health information for parents. Ten in‐depth interviews were conducted with parents of YMSM. Results Parents reported consulting physicians and the Internet for HIV/AIDS information. They reported finding limited information targeted towards parents of YMSM and provided suggestions for improving the delivery of health information including training, websites and the local news. Conclusions Delivery of tailored HIV prevention information to parents may be effective in helping combat HIV among YMSM. Given that YMSM bear the greatest burden for HIV, this study highlights the need to include parents of YMSM in future interventions aimed at reducing YMSM's risk of HIV/AIDS.

  July 06, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12152   open full text
• An investigation of the questions posted on medical consultation websites.
  Ming‐Hsin Phoebe Chiu.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. July 06, 2016
  Background Online medical consultation has recently become a more and more popular alternative venue for healthcare. It allows patients and caregivers to discuss their health problems and symptoms with qualified medical health professionals via the Internet. Objective This study investigates the questions posted on an asynchronous online medical consultation website, Taiwan eDoctor. Five research themes are explored: (1) length of questions, (2) moment of seeking consultation, (3) strategies of communicating chief complaints, (4) purpose of seeking consultation and (5) identity disclosure. Methods Data collection was conducted by randomly selecting 50 resolved consultation Q&As for each of 24 medical specialties, resulting in a total of 1200 entries in the primary data set. Data analysis was conducted qualitatively and quantitatively. Results Average length of questions was 161.21 words. Online medical consultation was sought when healthy, healthy but not robust, when suspicious of illness, when diagnosed as ill and during treatment/recovery. In communicating chief complaints, consultation seekers were engaged in contextual, focal or emotional communication styles. Nine distinct purposes to seek online consultation were identified and can be broadly interpreted as intellectual, social and emotional. The finding also suggests that more than two‐third of questions were asked for by the patients themselves. Conclusion Through content analysis of questions posted on an online medical consultation website, this study characterises communication patterns during the health information seeking process. These findings can help guide the design of more effective patient‐centred online medical consultation services.

  July 06, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12153   open full text
• The potential of educational comics as a health information medium.
  Sarah McNicol.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. June 13, 2016
  Objectives To investigate ways in which educational comics might provide support in dealing with feelings and attitudes towards health conditions, as well as improving understanding of factual information and to identify potential weakness of comics as a medium for health information. Methods Semi‐structured interviewees with eleven university students who either had a mental or physical health condition themselves or had a family member with a health condition. Results The result highlighted the potential value of comics as a format for health information. In addition to conveying factual information, comics offer opportunities for self‐awareness, reassurance, empathy, companionship and a means to explore the impact of illness on family relationships. However, there are notable barriers to the greater use of comics to provide health information, namely, a lack of awareness of, and easy access to, educational comics, along with the perception that comics are exclusively light‐hearted and for children. Conclusions Currently, the full potential of comics in health settings is not being realised. Health information professionals may be in a position to address this issue through identifying, cataloguing, indexing and promoting comics as a legitimate format for health information.

  June 13, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12145   open full text
• The Health and Libraries of Public Use Retrospective Study (HeLPURS).
  Sam Zager, Amy Haskins, Katherine Maland, Christina Holt.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. June 10, 2016
  Background Public libraries may promote health through literacy, education and social connections. Objective To conduct the first broad‐based, quantitative exploration of health and public library patronage. Methods Retrospective cross‐sectional study. All 2925 adult patients at a general practice clinic living in a small north‐eastern U.S. city were invited by mail to participate; 243 consented. Clinical variables from the medical records were combined with library usage variables from the public library patron database. The authors analysed how patient health characteristics were associated with library cardholding, average card use or recency of use. Results Approximately 72% of participants held a library card; 40% of these had used it within the last month. Library cardholding was not associated with patient characteristics. Higher average card use was associated with pregnancy, having youth at home and depression severity. Lack of recent library usage was associated with current smoking (P = 0.01) and drug use (P = 0.01). Among ever‐smokers, moderate/high card use and card use within six months were both associated with over two times the odds of quitting smoking. Conclusions Public libraries and health appear to intersect around substance abuse and depression–anxiety disorders. Moderate or higher use of public libraries is strongly associated with tobacco cessation.

  June 10, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12144   open full text
• Where people look for online health information.
  Susan A. LaValley, Marc T. Kiviniemi, Elizabeth A. Gage‐Bouchard.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. May 21, 2016
  Objectives To identify health‐related websites Americans are using, demographic characteristics associated with certain website type and how website type shapes users’ online information seeking experiences. Methods Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 1 were used. User‐identified websites were categorised into four types: government sponsored, commercially based, academically affiliated and search engines. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between users’ sociodemographic characteristics and website type, and associations between website type and information search experience. Results Respondents reported using: commercial websites (71.8%), followed by a search engines (11.6%), academically affiliated sites (11.1%) and government‐sponsored websites (5.5%). Older age was associated with the use of academic websites (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02, 1.04); younger age with commercial website use (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95, 0.98). Search engine use predicted increased levels of frustration, effort and concern over website information quality, while commercial website use predicted decreased levels of these same measures. Discussion Health information seekers experience varying levels of frustration, effort and concern related to their online searching. Conclusion There is a need for continued efforts by librarians and health care professionals to train seekers of online health information to select websites using established guidelines and quality criteria.

  May 21, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12143   open full text
• Inter‐rater reliability of h‐index scores calculated by Web of Science and Scopus for clinical epidemiology scientists.
  Benjamin Walker, Sepand Alavifard, Surain Roberts, Andrea Lanes, Tim Ramsay, Sylvain Boet.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. May 11, 2016
  Objective We investigated the inter‐rater reliability of Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus when calculating the h‐index of 25 senior scientists in the Clinical Epidemiology Program of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Materials and methods Bibliometric information and the h‐indices for the subjects were computed by four raters using the automatic calculators in WoS and Scopus. Correlation and agreement between ratings was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient and a Bland–Altman plot, respectively. Results Data could not be gathered from Google Scholar due to feasibility constraints. The Spearman's rank correlation between the h‐index of scientists calculated with WoS was 0.81 (95% CI 0.72–0.92) and with Scopus was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92–0.99). The Bland–Altman plot showed no significant rater bias in WoS and Scopus; however, the agreement between ratings is higher in Scopus compared to WoS. Conclusion Our results showed a stronger relationship and increased agreement between raters when calculating the h‐index of a scientist using Scopus compared to WoS. The higher inter‐rater reliability and simple user interface used in Scopus may render it the more effective database when calculating the h‐index of senior scientists in epidemiology.

  May 11, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12140   open full text
• Regenerative implantable medical devices: an overview.
  Shu‐yang Yu, Fu‐Yao Li, Hong‐Man Wang.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. May 11, 2016
  Objectives To conduct a bibliometric evaluation and trend prediction of English literature on animal‐derived regenerative implantable medical devices based on tissue engineering technology. Methods Data identified by a search strategy with eleven combinations of keywords before 1 January, 2014 were downloaded from eight databases on 25 November, 2014. The study analysed publication year, journal preference, authors' geographic location and research topics. Results Research on animal‐derived regenerative implantable medical devices is gradually increasing. The majority of the first authors are from colleges or universities. Approximately one‐third of the papers were the result of cooperation of different institutions. The top five productive countries are the United States, China, UK, Germany and Italy. Biomaterials are the main literature source. Bradford's law analysis shows that a core journal area has formed. The active areas of research and future research directions are ‘scaffold materials’, ‘biocompatibility’, ‘growth factors’ and ‘extracellular matrix’. Conclusion Research of animal‐derived regenerative implantable medical devices has attracted more and more attention from the academia. But most of the research achievements are generated by a few developed countries. Researchers around the world need to complement each other in knowledge and academic resources by communication and cooperation.

  May 11, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12146   open full text
• Information‐seeking behaviour and information needs of LGBTQ health professionals: a follow‐up study.
  Martin Morris, K.R. Roberto.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 08, 2016
  Background Except for one study in 2004, the literature has no data on the information‐seeking behaviour of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) health professionals. After a decade of change for LGBTQ people, and the growth of electronic information sources and social networks, it is appropriate to revisit this subject. Objectives To gain an updated understanding of the information‐seeking behaviour of LGBTQ health professionals and of how medical libraries can provide a culturally competent service to such users. Methods A mixed‐methods approach was adopted combining a Web‐based questionnaire with email follow‐up discussions. One hundred and twenty‐three complete responses were received, mostly from the USA and Canada, between November 2012 and October 2013. Results LGBTQ health professionals remain more comfortable seeking LGBTQ health information from a medical librarian whom they know to be LGBTQ because they perceive LGBTQ librarians as more likely to have specialist knowledge, or through concern that non‐LGBTQ librarians may be more likely to react in a stigmatising or discriminatory way. The study also provides evidence suggesting that online chat has marginal appeal for respondents seeking LGBTQ health information, despite its anonymity. Medical libraries seeking to demonstrate their cultural competency should provide visible evidence of this, such as through the creation of dedicated resource lists, promotion of LGBTQ literature on the library's website, and display of other symbols or statements supporting diversity. Conclusion Opportunities exist for LGBTQ health professionals and medical librarians to work together to ensure that medical libraries are culturally competent and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ patrons, that library collections match their needs, and in the creation of guides to ensure maximum access to the results of LGBTQ health research. Medical libraries should also consider nominating and, if necessary, training a specialist in LGBTQ health information. Such measures are more likely to be successful than reliance on online chat, despite contrary suggestions in the literature.

  April 08, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12139   open full text
• The impact of clinical librarian services on patients and health care organisations.
  Alison Brettle, Michelle Maden, Clare Payne.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. February 17, 2016
  Background Systematic reviews have found limited evidence of effectiveness and impact of clinical librarians (CLs) due to the poor quality of reporting, scale and design of previous studies. Objectives To measure specific CL impact on organisational and patient outcomes using a robust approach that helps CLs develop research skills. Methods Questionnaire and interviews. Results Clinical librarians contribute to a wide range of outcomes in the short and longer term reflecting organisational priorities and objectives. These include direct contributions to choice of intervention (36%) diagnosis (26%) quality of life (25%), increased patient involvement in decision making (26%) and cost savings and risk management including avoiding tests, referrals, readmissions and reducing length of stay (28%). Discussion Interventions provided by CL's are complex and each contributes to multiple outcomes of importance to health care organisations. Conclusion This study is unique in taking a wide view of potential and specific impacts to which CLs contribute across health care organisations. It is the largest UK evaluation of CL services to date and demonstrates CLs affect direct patient care, improve quality and save money. Future researchers are urged to use the tools presented to collect data on the same outcomes to build a significant and comprehensive international evidence base about the effectiveness and impact of clinical librarian services.

  February 17, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12136   open full text
• A profile of inactive information seekers on influenza prevention: a survey of health care workers in Central Kentucky.
  Sujin Kim, Kevin Real.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. January 04, 2016
  Objective This study developed a profile of inactive information seekers by characterising how they are different from active seekers, identifying possible determinants of inactive seekers and understanding characteristics of frequently asked influenza‐related questions. Methods A survey and follow‐up interviews were conducted between December 2010 and January 2011. A total of 307 health care workers in three hospitals in Central Kentucky (USA) are included. Results Four study groups were formed based on their information‐seeking and vaccination uptake status: (1) Inactive Seekers with Vaccination (N = 141); (2) Inactive Seekers without Vaccination (N = 49); (3) Active Seekers with Vaccination (N = 107); and (4) Active Seekers without Vaccination (N = 10). Inactive Seekers without Vaccination are found to be least responsive to health outcomes. Inactive Seeker groups do not prefer to use sources such as Internet or family/friends. In predicting inactive seekers, Information Needs and Knowledge Perception made significant contributions to prediction. The most frequently asked questions included information about survival duration of influenza virus (N = 25) followed by the incubation period for influenza (N = 24). Conclusion Profiling inactive seekers can serve as a way to better design customised influenza information sources and services for health care workers, thus giving hospitals through medical libraries additional tools to reduce the spread of influenza.

  January 04, 2016   doi: 10.1111/hir.12132   open full text
• Graphical content of medicinal package inserts: an exploratory study to evaluate potential legibility issues.
  Carla Pires, Marina Vigário, Afonso Cavaco.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. December 07, 2015
  Background The graphical content of the Medicines Package Inserts (MPIs), such as illustrations and typographic features should be legible and appropriate, as required by international pharmaceutical regulations. Objectives To study: (1) the frequency and type of MPIs' key graphic elements, (2) their compliance with regulations and (3) how educated people understand them. Methods Descriptive study: characterisation of the graphical content of 651 MPIs. Usability study: illustrations and tables (purposively selected) were evaluated with questionnaires in three groups of humanities undergraduates (illustrations only, illustrations plus text and text only). Results Descriptive study: illustrations and tables were respectively identified in 6.3% and 11.8% of the MPIs. The illustrations were mainly related to how to take/use the medicine. Non‐recommended graphical representations were found (e.g. italic or underline). Usability test: legibility issues were identified, especially for the group of isolated illustrations. Discussion & conclusions The scarce use of illustrations and tables possibly affected the legibility of the MPIs. Compulsory legibility tests are needed to guarantee the MPIs' proper use, thus contributing to a safe use of medicines. Overall, this study highlighted the need to carefully revise/assess the MPIs' design and probably increase health information experts' awareness on this issue.

  December 07, 2015   doi: 10.1111/hir.12128   open full text
• Student attitudes towards clinical teaching resources in complementary medicine: a focus group examination of Australian naturopathic medicine students.
  Jonathan Lee Wardle, Jerome Sarris.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. May 26, 2014
  Background Complementary medicine is forming an increasingly large part of health care in developed countries and is increasingly being formally taught in tertiary academic settings. Objectives An exploratory study of naturopathic student perceptions of, use of and attitudes towards teaching resources in naturopathic clinical training and education. Methods Focus groups were conducted with current and recent students of 4‐year naturopathic degree programmes in Brisbane and Sydney to ascertain how they interact with clinical teaching materials, and their perceptions and attitudes towards teaching materials in naturopathic education. Results Naturopathic students have a complex and critical relationship with their learning materials. Although naturopathic practice is often defined by traditional evidence, students want information that both supports and is critical of traditional naturopathic practices, and focuses heavily on evidence‐based medicine. Students remain largely ambivalent about new teaching technologies and would prefer that these develop organically as an evolution from printed materials, rather than depart from dramatically and radically from these previously established materials. Conclusions Findings from this study will assist publishers, librarians and academics develop clinical information sources that appropriately meet student expectations and support their learning requirements.

  May 26, 2014   doi: 10.1111/hir.12060   open full text
• Choosing and using methodological search filters: searchers' views.
  Sophie Beale, Steven Duffy, Julie Glanville, Carol Lefebvre, Dianne Wright, Rachael McCool, Danielle Varley, Charles Boachie, Cynthia Fraser, Jenny Harbour, Lynne Smith.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 23, 2014
  Background Search filters or hedges are search strategies developed to assist information specialists and librarians to retrieve different types of evidence from bibliographic databases. The objectives of this project were to learn about searchers' filter use, how searchers choose search filters and what information they would like to receive to inform their choices. Methods Interviews with information specialists working in, or for, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) were conducted. An online questionnaire survey was also conducted and advertised via a range of email lists. Results Sixteen interviews were undertaken and 90 completed questionnaires were received. The use of search filters tends to be linked to reducing a large amount of literature, introducing focus and assisting with searches that are based on a single study type. Respondents use numerous ways to identify search filters and can find choosing between different filters problematic because of knowledge gaps and lack of time. Conclusions Search filters are used mainly for reducing large result sets (introducing focus) and assisting with searches focused on a single study type. Features that would help with choosing filters include making information about filters less technical, offering ratings and providing more detail about filter validation strategies and filter provenance.

  April 23, 2014   doi: 10.1111/hir.12062   open full text
• Comparison of search strategies in systematic reviews of adverse effects to other systematic reviews.
  Su Golder, Yoon K. Loke, Liliane Zorzela.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 22, 2014
  Background Research indicates that the methods used to identify data for systematic reviews of adverse effects may need to differ from other systematic reviews. Objectives To compare search methods in systematic reviews of adverse effects with other reviews. Methods The search methodologies in 849 systematic reviews of adverse effects were compared with other reviews. Results Poor reporting of search strategies is apparent in both systematic reviews of adverse effects and other types of systematic reviews. Systematic reviews of adverse effects are less likely to restrict their searches to MEDLINE or include only randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The use of other databases is largely dependent on the topic area and the year the review was conducted, with more databases searched in more recent reviews. Adverse effects search terms are used by 72% of reviews and despite recommendations only two reviews report using floating subheadings. Conclusions The poor reporting of search strategies in systematic reviews is universal, as is the dominance of searching MEDLINE. However, reviews of adverse effects are more likely to include a range of study designs (not just RCTs) and search beyond MEDLINE.

  April 22, 2014   doi: 10.1111/hir.12041   open full text
• Measuring HINARI use in Nigeria through a citation analysis of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice.
  Ebele N. Anyaoku, Chinwe V. Anunobi.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 20, 2014
  Background HINARI is one of the four programmes of Research4Life managed by the World Health Organization in partnership with Yale University Library. HINARI provides online access to the world's health‐related scientific literature free or at very low cost to researchers in developing countries. The research examined the use of HINARI through a 5‐year (2007–2011) citation analysis of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. Method The study was a citation analysis of 5 years of published volumes of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. The analysis was carried out using issues ranging from volume 10 (2007) to 14 (2011). The use of HINARI was determined by comparing the total journal titles and articles cited from HINARI with non‐HINARI journals in the five volumes of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice (NJCP). Results Results show that only 42.8% of the journal titles cited are available in HINARI. On the contrary, in terms of total articles cited from the journals, HINARI had a higher citation of 56.1% with a greater citation frequency of individual titles. Conclusion The higher article citations and repeated use of individual titles available in HINARI suggest that health researchers in Nigeria are using the HINARI resource to a measurable extent.

  April 20, 2014   doi: 10.1111/hir.12056   open full text
• A comparison of searching the Cochrane library databases via CRD, Ovid and Wiley: implications for systematic searching and information services.
  Jenny Craven, Jayne Jefferies, Jenny Kendrick, Dave Nicholls, Janette Boynton, Ruth Frankish.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 18, 2014
  Background The Cochrane Library databases are available via different interfaces; evidence in the literature, together with anecdotal evidence, shows interfaces perform differently. To ensure the quality of searches, a study was undertaken to systematically explore the functionality of interfaces. Objectives To demonstrate differences in functionality when searching the same databases across different interfaces; to discuss the implications this may have on searching; and in a wider context, to suggest a ‘best match’ for comparable searching. Methods Detailed cross‐comparisons of a selection of search functions including MeSH terms, free text, proximity operators and truncation were undertaken in databases accessed via CRD, Wiley and Ovid. Up to three terms per function were selected and analysed. Results Differences were identified in the way searches for MeSH headings are executed, which fields are searched, how proximity operators perform, the word order searched and where terms are searched. This adds to a body of evidence demonstrating a lack of consistency in searching across different interfaces. Conclusions A ‘best match’ for comparable searching is suggested. Differences between interfaces offering the same database content can have implications for the success of a search, on user education, and on database evaluation and purchasing decisions.

  April 18, 2014   doi: 10.1111/hir.12046   open full text
• A checklist to assess database‐hosting platforms for designing and running searches for systematic reviews.
  Alison Bethel, Morwenna Rogers.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 18, 2014
  Background Systematic reviews require literature searches that are precise, sensitive and often complex. Database‐hosting platforms need to facilitate this type of searching in order to minimise errors and the risk of bias in the results. Objectives The main objective of the study was to create a generic checklist of criteria to assess the ability of host platforms to cope with complex searching, for example, for systematic reviews, and to test the checklist against three host platforms (EBSCOhost, OvidSP and ProQuest). Method The checklist was developed as usual review work was carried out and through discussion between the two authors. Attributes on the checklist were designated as ‘desirable’ or ‘essential’. The authors tested the checklist independently against three host platforms and graded their performance from 1 (insufficient) to 3 (performs well). Results Fifty‐five desirable or essential attributes were identified for the checklist. None of the platforms performed well for all of the attributes on the checklist. Conclusions Not all database‐hosting platforms are designed for complex searching. Librarians and other decision‐makers who work in health research settings need to be aware of the different limitations of host platforms for complex searching when they are making purchasing decisions or training others.

  April 18, 2014   doi: 10.1111/hir.12054   open full text
• Nursing staff connect libraries with improving patient care but not with achieving organisational objectives: a grounded theory approach.
  David Chamberlain, Richard Brook.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 18, 2014
  Background Health organisations are often driven by specific targets defined by mission statements, aims and objectives to improve patient care. Health libraries need to demonstrate that they contribute to organisational objectives, but it is not clear how nurses view that contribution. Objectives To investigate ward nursing staff motivations, their awareness of ward and organisational objectives; and their attitudes towards the contribution of health library services to improving patient care. Method Qualitative research using focus group data was combined with content analysis of literature evidence and library statistics (quantitative data). Data were analysed using thematic coding, divided into five group themes: understanding of Trust, Ward and Personal objectives, use of Library, use of other information sources, quality and Issues. Four basic social‐psychological processes were then developed. Results Behaviour indicates low awareness of organisational objectives despite patient‐centric motivation. High awareness of library services is shown with some connection made by ward staff between improved knowledge and improved patient care. Conclusion There was a two‐tiered understanding of ward objectives and library services, based on level of seniority. However, evidence‐based culture needs to be intrinsic in the organisation before all staff benefit. Libraries can actively engage in this at ward and board level and improve patient care by supporting organisational objectives.

  April 18, 2014   doi: 10.1111/hir.12053   open full text
• Research trends in teens’ health information behaviour: a review of the literature.
  Sung Un Kim, Sue Yeon Syn.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 18, 2014
  Objective This study aims to examine trends in studies of teens’ health information behaviour. Methods Eighty‐two articles published between 2000 and 2012 were selected and analysed in various aspects: health topics by year, information sources, data collection methods, use of theories and models, collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts and published journals. Results Fifty‐seven per cent of the studies focused on specific health topics, such as sexual health, while the rest covered general health topics. Almost half of the studies examined how teens search for and use health information on the Internet. Surveys were the most popular data collection technique. Only 12.2% were based on a theory or model. About 42% were conducted collaboratively by authors from multiple disciplines. Discussion and Conclusions With the increasing attention to specific health topics and online resources, the health information behaviour of teens has been examined more frequently since the mid‐2000s. Its interdisciplinary nature was evidently shown from various disciplines that the authors were affiliated with and the journals of the published studies represented. This study suggests that there should be efforts to reflect new technology tools, apply mixed methods and increase the engagement level of collaboration to evolve this research domain.

  April 18, 2014   doi: 10.1111/hir.12057   open full text
• Information literacy: perceptions of Brazilian HIV/AIDS researchers.
  Maria do Carmo Avamilano Alvarez, Ivan França, Angela Maria Belloni Cuenca, Francisco I. Bastos, Helene Mariko Ueno, Cláudia Renata Barros, Maria Cristina Soares Guimarães.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. November 15, 2013
  Background Information literacy has evolved with changes in lifelong learning. Can Brazilian health researchers search for and use updated scientific information? Objectives To describe researchers' information literacy based on their perceptions of their abilities to search for and use scientific information and on their interactions with libraries. Methods Semi‐structured interviews and focus group conducted with six Brazilian HIV/AIDS researchers. Analyses comprised the assessment of researchers as disseminators, their interactions with librarians, their use of information and communication technology and language. Results Interviewees believed they were partially qualified to use databases. They used words and phrases that indicated their knowledge of technology and terminology. They acted as disseminators for students during information searches. Researchers' abilities to interact with librarians are key skills, especially in a renewed context where libraries have, to a large extent, changed from physical spaces to digital environments. Discussion Great amounts of information have been made available, and researchers' participation in courses does not automatically translate into adequate information literacy. Librarians must help research groups, and as such, librarians' information literacy‐related responsibilities in Brazil should be redefined and expanded. Conclusions Students must develop the ability to learn quickly, and librarians should help them in their efforts. Librarians and researchers can act as gatekeepers for research groups and as information coaches to improve others' search abilities.

  November 15, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12047   open full text
• Leisure reading collections in academic health sciences and science libraries: results of visits to seven libraries.
  Erin M. Watson.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. September 12, 2013
  Objective To visit leisure reading collections in academic science and health sciences libraries to determine how they function and what role they play in their libraries. Methods The author visited seven libraries with leisure reading collections and carried out a semistructured interview with those responsible either for selection of materials or for the establishment of the collection. Results These collections contained a variety of materials, with some libraries focusing on health‐science‐related materials and others on providing recreational reading. The size of the collections also varied, from 186 to 9700 books, with corresponding differences in budget size. All collections were housed apart, with the same loan period as the regular collection. No collections contained electronic materials. Although there was little comparable statistical data on usage, at the six libraries at which active selection was occurring, librarians and library staff felt that the collection was well used and felt that it provided library users with benefits such as stress relief and relaxation and exposure to other perspectives. Conclusion Librarians and library staff at the libraries that undertook active selection felt that their leisure reading collection was worthwhile. It would be interesting for future work to focus on the user experience of such collections.

  September 12, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12042   open full text
• Development of a complex intervention to improve health literacy skills.
  Astrid Austvoll‐Dahlgren, Stein Danielsen, Elin Opheim, Arild Bjørndal, Liv Merete Reinar, Signe Flottorp, Andrew David Oxman, Sølvi Helseth.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. July 31, 2013
  Background Providing insight into the developmental processes involved in building interventions is an important way to ensure methodological transparency and inform future research efforts. The objective of this study was to describe the development of a web portal designed to improve health literacy skills among the public. Methods The web portal was tailored to address three key barriers to obtaining information, using the conceptual frameworks of shared decision‐making and evidence‐based practice and based on explicit criteria for selecting the content and form of the intervention. Results The web portal targeted the general public and took the form of structured sets of tools. Content included: an introduction to research methods, help on how to find evidence‐based health information efficiently based on the steps of evidence‐based practice, an introduction to critical appraisal, information about patient participation rights in decision‐making, and a decision aid for consultations. Conclusions The web portal was designed in a systematic and transparent way and address key barriers to obtaining and acting upon reliable health information. The web portal provides open access to the tools and can be used independently by health care users, or during consultations with health professionals.

  July 31, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12037   open full text
• Information needs and information‐seeking behaviour analysis of primary care physicians and nurses: a literature review.
  Martina A. Clarke, Jeffery L. Belden, Richelle J. Koopman, Linsey M. Steege, Joi L. Moore, Shannon M. Canfield, Min S. Kim.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. July 23, 2013
  Background The increase in the adoption of electronic health records (EHR) has contributed to physicians and nurses experiencing information overload. To address the problem of information overload, an assessment of the information needs of physicians and nurses will assist in understanding what they view as useful information to make patient care more efficient. Objective To analyse studies that assessed the information needs and information‐seeking behaviour of physicians and nurses in a primary care setting to develop a better understanding of what information to present to physicians when they making clinical decisions. Method A literature review of studies was conducted with a comprehensive search in PubMed, cinahl, scopus, as well as examination of references from relevant papers and hand‐searched articles to identify articles applicable to this review. Results Of the papers reviewed the most common information needs found among physicians and nurses were related to diagnoses, drug(s) and treatment/therapy. Colleagues remain a preferred information source among physicians and nurses; however, a rise in Internet usage is apparent. Conclusion Physicians and nurses need access to the Internet and job‐specific resources to find practitioner‐oriented information. In addition, effective usage of resources is important for improving patient care.

  July 23, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12036   open full text
• Information‐seeking trends of medical professionals and students from middle‐income countries: a focus on the Philippines.
  Alex I. Gavino, Beverly Lorraine C. Ho, Pura Angela A. Wee, Alvin B. Marcelo, Paul Fontelo.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. July 23, 2013
  Background Increased emphasis has been given to the practice of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) worldwide. Access to quality health information is essential to the practice of EBM in developing countries. Objectives To understand the information needs and sources of information of physicians from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Methods Medical doctors and students participated in an 18‐question online or paper study. Results Of the 156 respondents from six LMICs, 146 (94%) came from the Philippines. Eighty‐eight per cent encountered at least one clinical question daily, while 58% were very likely to search for answers. A basic mobile phone was the most used device at home (94%) and at work (82%). More than half had Internet connectivity at home (62%) and just under half at work (46%). In decreasing order, short messaging services (SMS), email, instant messaging and multimedia messaging services (MMS) were the most commonly used messaging tools at home and at work. The primary source for medication questions was a formulary, but for diagnostic dilemmas, colleagues were consulted first. PubMed use was high for therapy and management questions. Conclusion The use of health information from the Internet through mobile devices may be increasing. Access to health information was higher at home than at work. These results may be useful when planning resources for healthcare givers in resource‐poor settings.

  July 23, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12032   open full text
• Library services and user satisfaction in developing countries: a case study.
  Muhammad Ijaz Mairaj, Mirza Muhammad Naseer.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. July 23, 2013
  Background Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) is a recognised teaching hospital for cardiac care in the Punjab province of Pakistan. PIC has established a library to fulfil the research and information needs of health care professionals. This study aims to evaluate the satisfaction of users with the services of PIC library. Methodology A purposive sample of 15 health care professionals was selected. A semistructured interview technique based on an interview guide was used for collection of data. The data were qualitatively analysed using a thematic approach. Results Users of PIC library were satisfied with the library collection, organisation, reference and circulation services, staff attitudes, cooling and heating. They were concerned about library space, hours, furniture and environment, and suggested more availability of electronic library services, newer collections, better Internet access and comfortable furniture. Conclusion The study proved useful to investigate users' satisfaction with the services of PIC library. It concludes that the PIC library should maintain and strengthen the services with which users are satisfied, and improve those about which they are concerned. The study will be useful to libraries in other developing countries for improvement in their services.

  July 23, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12038   open full text
• The status of health librarianship and libraries in the Republic of Ireland (SHELLI): a mixed methods review to inform future strategy and sustainability.
  Janet Harrison, Claire Creaser, Helen Greenwood.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. May 21, 2013
  Background This paper summarises the main points of a review of the Status of Health Librarianship & Libraries in Ireland (SHELLI). The review was commissioned to gain a broad understanding of what was happening in practice in Ireland; acquire knowledge about international best practice, and to inform strategic plans to develop and sustain health libraries and librarianship in Ireland. Methods A Mixed Methods approach was used: a literature review; an online survey distributed to health librarians; Semi structured interviews with key stakeholders; a focus group drawing participants from the survey. All evidence was triangulated. Results New roles for health librarians needed development and the changing educational needs of health librarians warranted attention. Increased collaboration across institutional boundaries needed more consideration, especially in relation to access to e‐resources. Marketing of library services was crucial. Irish health library standards, needed to be updated and enforced and a proper evidence base established. The literature provided a number of examples of potentially useful initiatives. Conclusions A strategic plan of action was drawn up in three areas: (i) to identify champions and promote visibility of health service libraries, (ii) to establish a body of evidence and (iii) to support service development and staff mentoring.

  May 21, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12030   open full text
• The accuracy of references in PhD theses: a case study.
  Fereydoon Azadeh, Reyhaneh Vaez.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 22, 2013
  Background Inaccurate references and citations cause confusion, distrust in the accuracy of a report, waste of time and unnecessary financial charges for libraries, information centres and researchers. Objectives The aim of the study was to establish the accuracy of article references in PhD theses from the Tehran and Tabriz Universities of Medical Sciences and their compliance with the Vancouver style. Methods We analysed 357 article references in the Tehran and 347 in the Tabriz. Six bibliographic elements were assessed: authors' names, article title, journal title, publication year, volume and page range. Referencing errors were divided into major and minor. Results Sixty two percent of references in the Tehran and 53% of those in the Tabriz were erroneous. In total, 164 references in the Tehran and 136 in the Tabriz were complete without error. Of 357 reference articles in the Tehran, 34 (9.8%) were in complete accordance with the Vancouver style, compared with none in the Tabriz. Accuracy of referencing did not differ significantly between the two groups, but compliance with the Vancouver style was significantly better in the Tehran. Conclusions The accuracy of referencing was not satisfactory in both groups, and students need to gain adequate instruction in appropriate referencing methods.

  April 22, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12026   open full text
• Integrating information literacy in health sciences curricula: a case study from Québec.
  Natalie Clairoux, Sylvie Desbiens, Monique Clar, Patrice Dupont, Monique St‐Jean.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 17, 2013
  Objective To portray an information literacy programme demonstrating a high level of integration in health sciences curricula and a teaching orientation aiming towards the development of lifelong learning skills. The setting is a French‐speaking North American university. Methods The offering includes standard workshops such as MEDLINE searching and specialised sessions such as pharmaceutical patents searching. A contribution to an international teaching collaboration in Haiti where workshops had to be thoroughly adapted to the clientele is also presented. Online guides addressing information literacy topics complement the programme. Results and evaluation A small team of librarians and technicians taught 276 hours of library instruction (LI) during the 2011–2012 academic year. Methods used for evaluating information skills include scoring features of literature searches and user satisfaction surveys. Discussion Privileged contacts between librarians and faculty resulting from embedded LI as well as from active participation in library committees result in a growing reputation of library services across academic departments and bring forth collaboration opportunities. Sustainability and evolution of the LI programme is warranted by frequent communication with partners in the clinical field, active involvement in academic networks and health library associations, and reflective professional strategies.

  April 17, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12025   open full text
• An analysis of benefits and risk information on pharmaceutical web sites for the treatment of menopause.
  Deborah H. Charbonneau.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 17, 2013
  Background As the Internet is a source of information for many health consumers, there is a need to evaluate the information about prescription drugs provided on pharmaceutical manufacturers' web sites. Objectives Using a sample of pharmaceutical manufacturers' web sites for the treatment of menopause, the main objective of this study was to evaluate consumer‐oriented information about benefits and risks of prescription drugs for the treatment of menopause provided on pharmaceutical web sites. Methods Pharmaceutical manufacturers' web sites for analysis were identified using a list of U.S. FDA‐approved hormone therapies for the treatment of menopause. Results This study revealed substantial gaps in how benefits and risk information were presented on the web sites. Specifically, information about the benefits was prominent while risk information was incomplete and challenging to find. Further, references to the scientific literature to support claims advertised about prescription drug benefits were not provided. Conclusions Given the lack of scientific evidence to support claims of benefits and limited disclosure about risks, more information is needed for consumers to be able to weigh the benefits and risks of these treatments for menopause. Overall, these findings provide guidance for evaluating drug information provided on pharmaceutical web sites.

  April 17, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12024   open full text
• The role of readability in effective health communication: an experiment using a Japanese health information text on chronic suppurative otitis media.
  Yukiko Sakai.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 03, 2013
  Objectives This study identifies the most significant readability factors and examines ways of improving and evaluating Japanese health information text in terms of ease of reading and understanding. Methods Six different Japanese texts were prepared based on an original short text written by a medical doctor for a hospital web site intended for laypersons regarding chronic suppurative otitis media. Four were revised for single readability factor (syntax, vocabulary, or text structure) and two were modified in all three factors. Using a web‐based survey, 270 high school students read one of the seven texts, including the original, completed two kinds of comprehension tests, and answered questions on their impressions of the text's readability. Results Significantly higher comprehension test scores were shown in the true or false test for a mixed text that presented important information first for better text structure. They were also found in the cloze test for a text using common vocabulary and a cohesive mixed text. Conclusions Vocabulary could be a critical single readability factor when presumably combined with better text structure. Using multiple evaluation methods can help assess comprehensive readability. The findings on improvement and evaluation methods of readability can be applied to support effective health communication.

  April 03, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12022   open full text
• The Clinical Relevance of Information Index (CRII): assessing the relevance of health information to the clinical practice.
  Maria Cristiane Barbosa Galvao, Ivan Luiz Marques Ricarte, Roland M. Grad, Pierre Pluye.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. April 02, 2013
  Background The high volume of health information creates a need for processes and tools to select, evaluate and disseminate relevant information to health professionals in clinical practice. Objectives To introduce an index of the clinical relevance of information and to show that it is different from existing measures. Methods A conceptual model of knowledge translation was developed to explain the need for a new index, whose application was verified by an exploratory study with two (quantitative and qualitative) phases. The Clinical Relevance of Information Index (CRII) was defined employing descriptive statistical analyses of assessments performed by health professionals. The model and the CRII were applied in a primary healthcare context. Results The CRII was applied to 4574 relevance assessments of 194 evidence synopses. The assessments were performed by 41 family physicians in 2008. The CRII value of each synopsis was compared with the number of citations received by its corresponding research paper and with the level of evidence of the study, presenting weak correlation with both. Conclusion The CRII captures aspects of information not considered by other indices. It can be a parameter for information providers, institutions, editors, as well as health and information professionals targeting knowledge translation.

  April 02, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12021   open full text
• Searching MEDLINE for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health literature: questionable sensitivity.
  Ruth M. Sladek, Jennifer J. Tieman, Jess Tyndall, Paddy A. Phillips.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. February 16, 2013
  Objective The extent to which existing and future research can impact on reducing health disparities relates not only to the evidence available, but the ability to find that evidence. Our objective is to quantify experts' literature searching effectiveness with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's health. Methods Nine journals were dual reviewed, and a ‘gold standard’ set of relevant articles was identified. Health librarians (n = 25) completed a standardised searching task using OVID MEDLINE, and results were compared with the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity and precision rates were calculated. Results The gold standard comprised 136 of 1469 (9.3%) records from nine journals. Searches achieved a mean sensitivity of 53.2% (median = 64.7%, range 0.0–93.4%), specificity of 97.4% (median = 99.4%, range 52.6–100%) and precision of 83.3% (median = 91.0%, range 16.7–100%). Self‐estimates of search sensitivity (post hoc) were significantly higher than observed (M = 78.9%, t = 4.812, P < 0.001). Conclusions Even expert searchers struggle to find the relevant peer‐reviewed literature in MEDLINE. Implications A search filter may improve searching effectiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health literature. Assessment of health librarians' searching competencies warrants further professional debate and consideration.

  February 16, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12018   open full text
• Health information outreach: a survey of U.S. academic libraries, highlighting a midwestern university's experience.
  Lucy Duhon, Jodi Jameson.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. February 12, 2013
  Background and objectives As a result of their involvement in a campus health fair, the authors of this paper became interested in the extent to which other academic libraries were engaged in health information outreach (HIO). The authors present the results of a nationwide survey they conducted in 2010 and share a specific example of HIO at their own institution. Methods The authors conducted an online survey of approximately 1700 U.S. general academic and academic health science libraries with the objective to create a broad picture of HIO activity and its context within patron information‐seeking behavior. Results The survey yielded a 21% response rate. Nearly 55% of all respondents indicated that their libraries did not participate in HIO, while 37% indicated that they did. Other responses yielded information on patron usage patterns concerning health information, specific types of HIO that libraries are involved in, and barriers to library involvement in HIO. Conclusions As libraries' traditional roles and information delivery methods evolve, librarians must do more to provide services that are relevant and accessible to users. Even as virtual services become more commonplace, librarians involved in HIO should consider also increasing their visibility by collaborating with others on campus.

  February 12, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12017   open full text
• Information needs of clinicians and non‐clinicians in the Emergency Department: a qualitative study.
  Haleh Ayatollahi, Peter A. Bath, Steve Goodacre.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. January 25, 2013
  Background Identifying the information needs of Emergency Department (ED) staff and sources of information that they use can help to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the ED. As Emergency Medicine has unique characteristics, information needs of the Emergency Department (ED) staff might be different from other settings. However, few studies have investigated the information needs of ED staff and the sources of information that they use. Objectives We aimed to investigate the information needs of ED staff and the sources of information that they used in their practice. Methods It was a qualitative study, in which data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and 34 ED staff were interviewed in total. To analyse data, the method of framework analysis was used. Results Different types of information needs and sources of information were found in the ED. Patient information was considered the most important type of information, and verbal communication was the most frequently used source of information. Conclusion The variety of information used in the ED shows task complexity in this department which might not be simply addressed by technology. Further research is needed to identify how computerised information systems can be improved to meet users' information needs in the ED.

  January 25, 2013   doi: 10.1111/hir.12019   open full text
• A bibliometric analysis of the clinical development of drugs in Norway for the year 2000.
  Ola P. Hole, Finn O. Winther, Henrik R. Cederkvist, Sigurd Nitter‐Hauge.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. March 13, 2012
  Purpose:  Bibliometric analysis of publications was used to investigate the research output relating to the development of drugs in Norway and to evaluate the impact of Norwegian involvement in this research. Material and methods:  One hundred and nine articles published between 2002 and 2008 were analysed. Bibliometric methods used were as follows: information on peer review, impact factor (IF), the Science Citation Index (SCI) and the representation of Norwegians in the list of authors. Results:  All publications were in journals with peer review or in publications with corresponding evaluation. Industrial support, international research cooperation and drug development in phases I, II and III seem to promote publication in journals with high IF and a high SCI. In 63% of the international project articles, the Norwegian contributors were not represented in the list of authors. Conclusion:  In addition to a scientific standard secured by referees, three probably independent factors – industrial support, international cooperation and early phases of the research (phases I, II and III) – seem to promote publications in journals with high IF and a high SCI. A more active Norwegian contribution to the research should be encouraged.

  March 13, 2012   doi: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2012.00981.x   open full text
• Celebrating the role of health information.
  Maria J. Grant.
  Health Information & Libraries Journal. June 29, 2010
  This inaugural virtual issue of the Health Information and Libraries Journal (HILJ) celebrates the contribution of health information in informing health and social care library and information provision. It has been drawn together to reflect the 2010 biennial Health Libraries Group conference theme of Keeping Information Centre Stage Amid Changing Scenery and includes a series of eleven key papers published in the journal over the last two years. This virtual issue mirrors the usual format of a journal issue with a review article, original articles and regular features on Learning and Teaching in Action, Using Evidence in Practice and International Perspectives and Initiatives. All papers included in this virtual issue of Health Information and Libraries Journal are available free online.

  June 29, 2010   doi: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2010.00906.x   open full text