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- Title
The costs and effectiveness of information-skills training and mediated searching: quantitative results from the EMPIRIC project.
- Authors
Brettle, Alison; Hulme, Claire; Ormandy, Paula
- 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.
- Subjects
QUESTIONNAIRES; MEDICAL librarians; MEDICAL libraries; COST effectiveness; HEALTH education; MEDICAL personnel training; MEDICAL care; INFORMATION resources
- Publication
Health Information & Libraries Journal, 2006, Vol 23, Issue 4, p239
- ISSN
1471-1834
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1471-1842.2006.00670.x