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.
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 |
Actions (login required)
![]() |
Edit record (repository staff only) |