Evidence-searching capability among health care professionals: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Information Science
• Medical Education

Background:

• Evidence-based practice is a core competency for healthcare professionals (HCPs).
• Varying educational backgrounds and training durations may lead to disparities in evidence-searching capabilities among different HCP disciplines.
• Assessing and improving evidence-searching skills is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare evidence-searching capabilities across various healthcare professional disciplines.
• To identify specific areas within evidence-searching skills that require reinforcement.
• To investigate the influence of sex, age, and education level on evidence-searching proficiency.

Main Methods:

• A validated scale was used to assess evidence-searching capability in 80 HCPs from diverse disciplines at a teaching hospital.
• Multiple linear regression analysis with collinearity diagnostics was employed.
• The study compared performance across different disciplines and examined demographic factors like sex, age, and education level.

Main Results:

• Physicians and pharmacists exhibited significantly higher evidence-searching capabilities than other disciplines (P < 0.05).
• Participant's level of education did not significantly impact evidence-searching skills, except for one specific formative item.
• Age was inversely correlated with evidence-searching capability, with older participants showing lower proficiency in several assessment areas.

Conclusions:

• Physicians and pharmacists possess stronger evidence-searching skills compared to other HCPs.
• Targeted training interventions are recommended for HCPs with lower evidence-searching capabilities.
• Evidence-searching skills training should be implemented broadly for all HCPs, irrespective of their age or educational background.