The costs and effectiveness of information skills training and mediated searching: quantitative results from the EMPIRIC project

Brettle, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4120-1752, Hulme, CT and Ormandy, P ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6951-972X 2006, 'The costs and effectiveness of information skills training and mediated searching: quantitative results from the EMPIRIC project' , Health Information and Libraries Journal, 23 (4) , pp. 239-247.

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Abstract

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and costs of providing information for patient care via librarian-mediated searches and information-skills training. Methods: A questionnaire survey to library staff and health professionals in the North West. Data was collected on perceptions of services, satisfaction and service usage, allowing a cost analysis to be undertaken. Statistical data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (spss). Results: Using satisfaction and use of skills as outcome measures, both mediated searches and information skills training are effective. A breakdown of costs per type of training session and literature search is provided. Cost-effectiveness is dependent on whether costs are viewed from a library or trust point of view. Providing information skills training does not reduce the volume of mediated-search requests. Conclusions: No one method of providing information for health professionals is more effective or cost-effective than another. A decision about which services to provide cannot be made on the basis of effectiveness or costs alone; the views of library staff and the health professionals they serve should also be taken into account. A proactive approach and targeting training towards those who are most likely to benefit may be an appropriate way forward.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Subjects / Themes > R Medicine > R Medicine (General) Subjects / Themes > Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z665 Library Science. Information Science Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Applied Research in Health, Welfare and Policy Schools > School of Health and Society
Journal or Publication Title:	Health Information and Libraries Journal
Publisher:	Blackwell Publishing
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	02656647
Depositing User:	H Kenna
Date Deposited:	06 Aug 2007 11:13
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2021 21:58
URI:	http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/101

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