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Analysis of non-urban end users' MEDLINE training
Medical Reference Services Quarterly
|March 5, 1990
Summary
Many health professionals did not obtain National Library of Medicine (NLM) codes after training due to access issues and infrequent use of MEDLINE. Barriers included lack of microcomputers, cost, and time constraints.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Health Sciences Librarianship
- Information Science
Background:
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM) offers training to enhance health professionals' information retrieval skills.
- Understanding user adoption of NLM resources and associated challenges is crucial for effective information dissemination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the post-seminar practices of health professionals regarding NLM codes.
- To identify barriers preventing health professionals from obtaining NLM codes.
- To understand factors influencing successful and frustrating MEDLINE searches.
Main Methods:
- A survey was mailed to 310 health professionals who attended MEDLINE seminars funded by an NLM grant.
- The survey collected data on NLM code acquisition, reasons for non-acquisition, search time, information use changes, and search experience factors.
Main Results:
- Key reasons for not obtaining NLM codes included lack of a microcomputer and modem, infrequent MEDLINE use, cost, time limitations, and perceived complications.
- Respondents' search time and changes in information use post-seminar were investigated.
Conclusions:
- Barriers to NLM code acquisition are significant among health professionals post-training.
- Addressing issues like resource access, cost, and search complexity is vital for promoting wider adoption of NLM databases.