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Factors affecting students' use of MEDLINE
M L Pao1, S F Grefsheim, M L Barclay
1School of Information and Library Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109.
Computers and Biomedical Research, an International Journal
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Medical students with more experience using MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) found more relevant research. Increased exposure to MEDLINE during medical school enhances literature searching skills for lifelong learning.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Information Science
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Effective literature searching is crucial for healthcare professionals.
- Medical students require proficiency in databases like MEDLINE.
- Assessing the impact of search experience on information retrieval is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between medical students' MEDLINE search experience and their subsequent search behavior and effectiveness.
- To determine if clinical knowledge correlates with MEDLINE search experience or effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MEDLINE search transcripts from 184 third-year medical students.
- Categorization of students into groups based on prior search experience.
- Evaluation of search effectiveness and correlation with clinical knowledge scores (University of Michigan's Comprehensive Clinical Assessment, NBME Part II).
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation exists between search experience level and frequency of MEDLINE use.
- More experienced searchers retrieved more relevant items.
- Over 80% of students successfully retrieved useful information for clinical situations.
- No significant relationship was found between search effectiveness and clinical knowledge, nor between clinical knowledge and search experience.
Conclusions:
- Increased exposure to MEDLINE during medical school is vital for developing effective literature searching skills.
- Developing strong information retrieval skills supports lifelong learning for health professionals.
- Clinical knowledge alone does not guarantee effective database searching; experience is key.