Artikel
The online health information needs of family physicians (FPs): a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies
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Autoren
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Piet van der Keylen
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Institute of General Practice, Erlangen, Germany
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Johanna Tomandl
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Institute of General Practice, Erlangen, Germany
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Katharina Wollmann
- Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Freiburg, Deutschland; Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Germany
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Ralph Möhler
- Bielefeld University, School for Public Health, Bielefeld, Germany
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Mario Sofroniou
- Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Division of General Practice, Freiburg, Germany
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Andy Maun
- Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Division of General Practice, Freiburg, Germany
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Sebastian Voigt-Radloff
- Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
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Luca Frank
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Institute of General Practice, Erlangen, Germany
| Veröffentlicht: | 23. Februar 2021 |
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Gliederung
Text
Background/research question: Digitalization and the increasing availability of online information have changed the way in which information is searched for and retrieved by the public, and by health professionals. The technical developments of the last two decades have transformed the methods of information retrieval. Whilst systematic evidence exists on the general information needs of Specialists, and in particular Family Physicians (FPs), there have been no recent systematic reviews to specifically address the needs of FPs and any barriers that may exist to accessing online health information. As such, this review aims to give an up to date perspective on the needs of FPs in searching, retrieving and utilizing online information.
Methods: This systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies searched a multitude of databases spanning the years 2000 to 2020 (search date January 2020). Studies which analyzed the online information needs of FPs, any barriers to the accessibility of information, and their information-seeking behaviors were included. Two researchers independently scrutinized titles and abstracts, analyzing full-text papers for their eligibility, the studies therein, and the data obtained from them.
Results: The initial search yielded 4,541 studies for initial title and abstract screening. Of the 144 studies that were found to be eligible for full-text screening, a total of 41 were finally included. Twenty themes were developed and summarized into five main categories. Individual Needs of FPs prior to the search; Access Needs including factors that would facilitate or hinder information retrieval; Quality Needs of the information to hand; Utilization Needs of the information available and Implication Needs for everyday practice.
Conclusion: This review suggests that searching, accessing, and using online information, as well as any pre-existing needs barriers or demands, should not be perceived as separate entities, but rather be regarded as a sequential process. Apart from accessing information and evaluating its quality, FPs expressed concerns regarding the applicability of this information to their everyday practice, and its subsequent relevance to patient care. Future online information resources should cater to the needs of the Primary Care setting, and seek to address the way in which such resources may be adapted to these specific requirements.
Competing interests: Keine
