How CAM Practitioners Use PubMed
Author Information
Author(s): John Willinsky, Mia Quint-Rapoport
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
This study sought to establish the potential contributions made by a range of PubMed tools and services to the use of the database by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners.
Conclusion
The study found strong indications of PubMed’s potential value in the professional development of these complementary and alternative medicine practitioners in terms of engaging with and understanding research.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants expressed interest in PubMed tools for information retrieval, access, and management.
- Participants felt that abstracts were necessary but inadequate for evaluating and learning from research.
- Universal support among participants for greater access to complete articles was noted.
Takeaway
The study shows that tools from PubMed can help alternative medicine practitioners find and understand research better, but they really want access to full articles.
Methodology
Participants were taken through a 2-hour introductory session with PubMed, where they were introduced to various tools and services and provided feedback on their value.
Limitations
The study did not measure the actual contribution of these tools and services to the users’ learning.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 10 chiropractors, 7 registered massage therapists, and 1 homeopath, aged from their 20s to 50s, with varying levels of education.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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