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Literature search improvement project.

¹Sladen Library and Health Information Resources, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. ghug1@sladen.hfhs.org

Medical Reference Services Quarterly

|February 28, 2002

Summary

This study improved mediated search quality at Sladen Library using the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and individual productivity standards. The initiative successfully enhanced searcher performance and overall service quality.

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Area of Science:

Health Information Management
Library Science
Quality Improvement Methodologies

Background:

Mediated search services are crucial for health information access.
Previous quality assessments relied on global metrics.
The Sladen Library aimed to enhance its mediated search services.

Purpose of the Study:

To improve the quality of mediated searches.
To implement a quantitative performance standard for individual searchers.
To leverage the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle for continuous improvement.

Main Methods:

Analysis of 1997 literature statistics for mediated searching.
Application of Deming's Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.
Introduction of individual productivity standards for searchers.

Main Results:

The Literature Search Improvement Project yielded favorable outcomes.
Individual searchers were held to a quantitative performance standard for the first time.
The library established global productivity goals alongside individual targets.

Conclusions:

The implemented improvement project successfully enhanced mediated search quality.
The PDCA cycle proved effective in driving service improvements.
Individual accountability through productivity standards positively impacted performance.

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