Medical literature search practice in paediatric junior medical staff: a questionnaire survey

With increasing medical knowledge and emphasis upon evidence-based medicine, it is essential for practitioners to have optimal literature searching skills. There are limited data regarding the use of online information retrieval (IR) systems by paediatric junior medical officers (JMO). The aims of this questionnaire-based study of a group of JMO were to assess the accessibility, frequency of use and preferences for electronic information resources, and to ascertain their perceived adequacy of training and expertise in online searching. Questionnaires were distributed to 319 JMO at two Australian children's hospitals. A total of 106 questionnaires were returned (33.2% response rate). Twenty-four-hour access to electronic medical databases was available to almost 90% of respondents at work or home. Five or less online searches per month were performed by 53.7% of respondents. Previous formal training in database searching was reported by 72.4% of respondents, but over half felt it had been inadequate. Most JMO (91.5%) acknowledged a need for further training in search skills. In spite of widespread availability of online resources, use of these resources was sub-optimal in this group of trainee doctors. Most respondents reported a need for further training in electronic searching. Continuing targeted education in electronic database searching is required to ensure that future doctors develop skills to ensure optimal use of medical literature.