Long-Term Use of Online Evidence Retrieval in General Practice
Author Information
Author(s): Farah Magrabi, Johanna I Westbrook, Michael R Kidd, Richard O Day, Enrico Coiera
Primary Institution: Centre for Health Informatics, University of New South Wales
Hypothesis
What are the long-term usage patterns of an online evidence retrieval system in routine clinical practice?
Conclusion
GPs will use an online evidence retrieval system in routine practice; however, usage rates drop significantly after initial introduction of the system.
Supporting Evidence
- On average, 9.9 searches were conducted by each GP in the first 2 months.
- Usage dropped to 4.4 searches per GP in the third month.
- 79.2% of searches were conducted during practice hours.
Takeaway
Doctors used an online tool to find medical information, but they stopped using it as much after the first couple of months.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study where 59 clinicians used an online evidence system for 12 months, with usage patterns determined from computer logs and surveys.
Potential Biases
The study's self-selected cohort may not reflect the broader GP population's usage patterns.
Limitations
Participants were self-selected and may have been predisposed to using online evidence, which may not represent the general population of GPs.
Participant Demographics
71% male, aged 35-54 years, 71% graduated in Australia, 56% were RACGP fellows.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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