Related Experiment Videos
Improving searching skills and evidence retrieval
W M Rosenberg1, J Deeks, A Lusher
1Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford.
Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London
|January 9, 1999
Summary
A three-hour training improved medical students' database searching skills and evidence retrieval. The interactive session was well-received, enhancing search performance and satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Information Science
Background:
- Effective information retrieval is crucial for medical professionals.
- Medical students require training in database searching techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a 3-hour training program on medical students' question formulation and database search skills.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of interactive training in improving evidence retrieval.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with a before-and-after design.
- 108 first-year medical students participated, allocated to experimental (training) or control groups.
- Outcomes measured included search performance, quality of retrieved evidence, and student satisfaction.
Main Results:
- The training significantly enhanced students' search performance.
- The quality of evidence retrieved by trained students improved.
- High levels of student satisfaction were reported following the training.
Conclusions:
- A 3-hour interactive training session effectively improved medical students' database searching and evidence retrieval abilities.
- The training program was positively received by students, indicating its practical value.
- This study supports the integration of such training into medical curricula.