User Experiences of The Cochrane Library
Author Information
Author(s): Sarah E Rosenbaum, Claire Glenton, Jane Cracknell
Primary Institution: Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services
Hypothesis
How do health professionals find, use, and experience The Cochrane Library?
Conclusion
The Cochrane Library has accessibility issues that hinder health professionals' ability to find and use research evidence effectively.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants had difficulty locating the site and its contents.
- Non-native English speakers faced additional challenges in retrieving relevant documents.
- Many participants expressed feelings of frustration and ineptitude while using the site.
- Despite high regard for the site's credibility, some participants mistrusted the independence of the information.
Takeaway
Health professionals find it hard to use The Cochrane Library because it's confusing and hard to navigate.
Methodology
32 one-hour usability tests were conducted with health professionals from Norway and the UK, observing their interactions with The Cochrane Library.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been influenced by the setting and their familiarity with the Cochrane name.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a lab setting, which may not reflect real-life usage, and the sample may not represent all health professionals.
Participant Demographics
Participants included health professionals from Norway and the UK, with a mix of native and non-native English speakers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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