Exploring UK veterinary students' use of online resources as a tool for studying small animal internal medicine

BACKGROUND

Despite an increase in the use of online resources, their use by veterinary students, especially in the study of small animal internal medicine (SAIM), remains poorly understood.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based study consisting of 26 survey items and 263 responses from seven UK universities investigated the use of online resources among clinical veterinary students studying SAIM and whether this was affected by age, gender, year of study or entry status.

RESULTS

Random internet searches were the preferred method of clarifying queries, except for graduate-entry students and age categories 18-21 years and 28 years and over who preferred traditional textbooks. Online searches were preferred over emailing instructors or contacting instructors in person. Despite 73.3% of participants not automatically trusting information from online sources, only 47.1% fact-checked, although this was higher among the graduate-entry group (62.5%). Frequent social media use was reported; however, only 44.8% of students reported using social media to discuss SAIM. Video clip usage was high, and 82.9% of students reported video clips were useful for understanding SAIM concepts.

CONCLUSION

Online resources are a useful tool to complement traditional resources; however, a level of academic oversight may be required to ensure appropriate and effective use of these resources.

Using Mid-Fidelity Simulation and Peer Teaching to Educate First-Semester Nursing Students to Accurately Complete a Shift Assessment and Properly Communicate Findings

ABSTRACT

Inadequate hand-off communication between nurses has been identified as a primary contributing factor leading to medical errors. The purpose of this innovative study was to assess first-semester nursing students' ability to accurately complete a shift assessment and properly communicate findings. Graduate assistants evaluated students' ability to accurately complete a shift assessment, report assessment findings, and identify at least one abnormal finding. The data related to student learning satisfaction and self-confidence were collected from participants during their shift assessment check-off.

Evaluation of the experiences and needs of users of a drug information resources website

Objective

This article describes the evaluation of the experiences and needs of users of the Drug Information Resources (DIR) website. The DIR website attracts traffic and use from around the world, with the highest number of users in Canada and the United States.

Methods

An online questionnaire was developed through use of a literature review and Google Analytics data. Face validity testing and test-retest reliability were completed prior to releasing the questionnaire.

Results

Although the Google Analytics data showed that the site is used internationally, most respondents were Canadian students. They used the site for academic and clinical purposes and reported it was easy to use, was well organized, and included required resources, and they would recommend it to others.

Conclusion

The DIR website was found to be a valuable resource for educational and clinical use. Future studies will aim to obtain input from international users.

Health Libraries Group Conference 2018

It's conference time again! There is an exciting programme in prospect in this year's biennial Health Libraries Group (#HLG2018) conference covering key elements of library and information workers' daily practice. Uppermost in everyone's mind is the importance of ongoing personal and professional development with the Health Libraries Group Continuing Professional Development Panel putting this into practice as they host regional peer support sessions for presenters in the period leading up to the conference. As the official journal of the Health Libraries Group, the Health Information and Libraries Journal is similarly keen to support presenters in the practical task of translating their presentations into papers. Do get in touch if you would like advice on what to do next.