Effectiveness and efficiency of a literature search strategy to answer questions on the etiology of occupational diseases: a controlled trial

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a search strategy to find evidence-based answers to questions related to the possible occupational etiology of diseases. Methods A controlled trial of 70 occupational health physicians and 55 insurance physicians who were asked to answer one out of four ‘occupational disease case-vignettes’ following the steps of evidence-based medicine (EBM). The intervention group were given the search strategy as a tool. Results The intervention group scored significantly better than the control group in answering the main question of the case-vignette correctly (57% versus 37%) using more adequate search terms. The intervention group scored significantly better regarding satisfaction with the applied search strategy (28% very satisfied versus 8%). We found no differences in time spent in solving the case or in the intention of future practice of EBM. Conclusions The introduction and application of specific search strategies can have a positive effect on the effectiveness of searching literature. Future initiatives for developing and testing specific search strategies in the field of occupational health should be encouraged.