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Effect of search experience on sustained MEDLINE usage by students
M L Pao1, S F Grefsheim, M L Barclay
1School of Information and Library Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1092.
Summary
Medical students who search MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) at least once monthly are more likely to continue using it. Consistent searching also significantly improves the chances of finding relevant clinical information.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Information Retrieval
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Medical educators recognize the importance of MEDLINE for clinical practice.
- Optimal training exposure for sustained MEDLINE usage remains unclear.
- This study investigates search frequency's impact on continued use and retrieval success.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the search experience level needed for sustained MEDLINE use post-training.
- Identify the search frequency that enhances the retrieval of relevant items from MEDLINE.
- Inform educational strategies for effective medical information literacy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MEDLINE search frequencies via PaperChase by 184 fourth-year medical students.
- Utilized log cross-product technique to compare pre- and post-assignment search behavior.
- Assessed retrieval performance in relation to search history.
Main Results:
- Students searching MEDLINE at least monthly during early years showed a 7.38:1 increased likelihood of searching thrice monthly in their fourth year.
- A history of 1.5 searches per month pre-assignment boosted the odds of retrieving relevant items by 8.27:1.
Conclusions:
- Searching MEDLINE once per month during early medical school fosters continued usage.
- A minimum of 1.5 online searches monthly significantly increases the probability of retrieving relevant information.
- Findings support integrating regular MEDLINE practice into medical curricula for enhanced clinical information retrieval skills.