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Weller FS, Hamming JF, Repping S, van Bodegom-Vos L. What information sources do Dutch medical specialists use in medical decision-making: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073905. [PMID: 37798031 PMCID: PMC10565272 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore what information sources medical specialists currently use to inform their medical decision-making. DESIGN Qualitative, semistructured interviews. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 20 semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 surgeons and 10 internal medicine specialists who work in academic and/or regional hospitals in the Netherlands. RESULTS Medical specialists reported that they primarily rely on their general knowledge and experience, rather than actively using information sources. The sources they use to update their knowledge can be categorised into 'scientific publications', 'guidelines or protocols', and 'presentations and meetings'. When medical specialists feel their general knowledge and experience are insufficient, they use three different approaches to find answers in response to clinical questions: consulting a colleague, actively searching the literature and asking someone else to search the literature. CONCLUSION Medical specialists use information sources to update their general knowledge and to find answers to specific clinical questions when they feel their general knowledge and experience are insufficient. An important finding is that medical specialists prefer accessible information sources (eg, consulting colleagues) over existing evidence-based medicine tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris S Weller
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Basic Data Siences-Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap F Hamming
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Department of Health Evaluation and Appropriate Use, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leti van Bodegom-Vos
- Basic Data Siences-Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Thompson CM, Pulido MD, Babu S, Zenzola N, Chiu C. Communication between persons with multiple sclerosis and their health care providers: A scoping review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:3341-3368. [PMID: 35927111 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study undertakes a scoping review of research about communication between persons with MS and their health care providers. DESIGN PubMed, PsycInfo, Communication Source, Socindex, Sociological Abstracts, Cinahl, and Proquest Dissertations and Theses were used to identify studies since each database's inception. Research team members engaged in study selection, coding for communication issues, and data extraction for descriptive information. RESULTS Of the 419 empirical articles identified, 175 were included. Codes represented all elements of ecological and pathway models, emphasizing emerging technologies for facilitating communication, uncertainty and anxiety for persons with MS, and communication issues surrounding diagnosis, information seeking, and decision making. CONCLUSION This review synthesizes and organizes influences on communication, communication processes, and health outcomes of communication for persons with MS and their providers. Findings extend the ecological model with illness context and the pathway model with communication breakdowns and provider outcomes. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health care providers should consider the complexity of communication when interacting with persons with MS, including the larger context in which it occurs, communication processes and their purposes, and short-term and long-term consequences of interactions. Ecological and pathway models can be frameworks for developing educational materials, as they succinctly capture key communication issues and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charee M Thompson
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA.
| | - Manuel D Pulido
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Sara Babu
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Nicole Zenzola
- Department of Communication, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Chungyi Chiu
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
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Akbari A, Nowkarizi M, Rostami R, Moghimi A. The role of psychological, skill level and demographic variables in information-seeking behaviours in mental health professionals. J Inf Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/01655515221092363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the variables that can potentially affect information-seeking behaviour in mental health service providers using a quasi-experimental research design. The sample included 30 mental health professionals (with minimum 2 years of experience) to each of whom a scenario was presented in which signs and symptoms of three patients were presented, simulating an actual diagnostic interview. Stress response evaluation (SRE), questionnaires, behavioural observation by the Morae software, and semi-structured interviews were used as means of data collection. Our findings showed that variables such as demographic (e.g. field of study, level of education, work experience and age), psychological (e.g. state and trait anxiety, and therapist’s self-assessment) and skill level (e.g. information literacy and expert knowledge) had significant effects on information-seeking behaviour. These results can hopefully provide insights to designers and librarians who seek to create novel or optimise the existing physician-assisted systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Akbari
- Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nowkarizi
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Rostami
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Tehran University, Iran
| | - Ali Moghimi
- Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran
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Isomursu M, Kuoremäki R, Eho J, Teikari M. The effect of Covid-19 in digital media use of Finnish physicians - Four wave longitudinal panel survey. Int J Med Inform 2021; 159:104677. [PMID: 35007925 PMCID: PMC8714256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background Covid-19 pandemic has boosted digitalization in healthcare, as mobility restrictions and social distancing rules have made healthcare providers to adopt digital tools to replace or complement face-to-face interactions. Purpose We discuss the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on physicians’ use of digital media. We examine whether Covid-19 conditions have changed how physicians use internet resources for information search, how they engage in social media, and their attitude towards online events. Basic procedures The study was done as a longitudinal panel survey in four waves. The sample was a panel including active physicians in Finland. The panel was updated annually. Identical surveys were administered in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Spring 2020 was the time when Finland executed mobility restrictions and re-organization of healthcare because of pandemic. Comparing results of the survey before and after Covid-19 restrictions gives us a unique opportunity to do comparative analysis of Covid-19 effects. Main findings Our results show that the use of digital media for information search stayed relatively stable without statistically significant change during the four-year period covered in the study. The use of social media rose steadily from 2018 to 2021 with no significant difference in the trend. However, there was a significant change in the attitude of Finnish physicians on online events. Year 2021, the attitude remained in this more positive level. Principal conclusions As use of digital media including social media was already high prior Covid-19 in Finland, our results do not show significant change because of special circumstances introduced in 2020. However, our results show that the attitudes towards online events turned more positive during Covid-19 related restrictions. This could indicate that Covid-19 era has triggered a change that might continue also when pandemic related restrictions will be removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Isomursu
- Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu, PL 8000, 90014 Oulun yliopisto, Finland.
| | | | - Janne Eho
- Success Clinic Oy, Itämerenkatu 5, 00180 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mika Teikari
- Success Clinic Oy, Itämerenkatu 5, 00180 Helsinki, Finland.
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Moalong KMC, Jamora RDG, Roberto KT, Espiritu AI. Patterns of Google search behavior for epilepsy and seizures in the Philippines: An infodemiological study. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 125:108377. [PMID: 34717171 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The internet has been established as a rich source of health information that is well utilized by the public. Online health information-seeking behavior may reflect public awareness in particular health-related topics, including epilepsy and seizures. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe online search behavior for epilepsy and seizures in the Philippines through the examination of trends of Philippine-based Google search queries for epilepsy and seizure-related terms. METHODS The search volume indices (SVIs) for the keywords "epilepsy (disorder)" and "seizure (disease)" based on Philippine-based Google searches from January 2004 to July 2021 were generated using Google Trends. Descriptive analysis of search volume patterns, including related topics and queries, was performed. RESULTS There was a recent relative increase in Philippine-based searches related to the term "seizure" with a concurrent relative decline in searches related to the term "epilepsy" over time. The Philippines had the fifth-highest SVI for "seizure" based on worldwide trends. Most searches centered on the definition, symptomatology, etiologies, classification, and treatment of seizures and epilepsy. Queries containing seizure-related terms rose in volume by more than 5000% during the seventeen-year period. Search volume tended to peak during the National Epilepsy Awareness Week in September but slumped during holiday months. CONCLUSIONS Online search behavior in the Philippines for seizure-related terms appears to be on the rise and may reflect increasing public awareness in epilepsy. Factors including fears surrounding epileptic seizures, the stigma surrounding the term "epilepsy", and seasonal events including a regularly held epilepsy awareness week may influence online search behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Michael C Moalong
- Division of Adult Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
| | - Roland Dominic G Jamora
- Division of Adult Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines; Section of Neurology, Institute for Neurosciences, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City & Global City, Philippines.
| | - Katrina T Roberto
- Division of Adult Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.
| | - Adrian I Espiritu
- Division of Adult Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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The Critical Need to Build a European Governance Model for Online Access to Medical Information Services: A Position Paper. Pharmaceut Med 2021; 35:147-155. [PMID: 34263444 PMCID: PMC8279379 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-021-00390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
European pharmaceutical companies have a legal requirement to provide non-promotional Medical Information (MI) services to support healthcare professionals (HCPs) who are using their medicinal products. While the industry has self-regulating bodies with established Codes of Practice, these mainly focus on promotional messaging and commercial activities. In the absence of similar frameworks for MI, such services struggle to understand how to meet HCP digital expectations, often in fear of breaching the promotional codes. This is limiting access to the wealth of non-promotional patient-focussed information held within the industry. Meanwhile, a large volume of unregulated, low-quality information can be readily found on the internet. To understand the current status, the Medical Information Leaders in Europe (MILE) industry association performed a benchmarking survey which explored the online MI service provision of 13 mid-large pharmaceutical companies across Europe. This highlighted a great diversity in approach in terms of geographical coverage and content. Visibility and access for HCPs is complex, compromising online engagement and website utilisation. This MILE position paper highlights the critical need to establish a clear governance model, which empowers pharmaceutical company MI functions to provide unbranded, non-promotional, medicinal product information sources to support HCP online information needs. It is essential to build confidence, transparency and trust by establishing a practical quality framework with principles and standards for online MI services for HCPs.
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Hermes-DeSantis ER, Hunter RT, Welch J, Bhavsar R, Boulos D, Noue MA. Preferences for Accessing Medical Information in the Digital Age: Health Care Professional Survey. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25868. [PMID: 36260374 PMCID: PMC8386376 DOI: 10.2196/25868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care professionals (HCPs) routinely have questions concerning the medications they are recommending. There are numerous resources available; however, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this survey was to gain knowledge of the preferred methods and sources HCPs use to obtain information concerning medications. METHODS A total of 511 HCPs (202 physicians, 105 pharmacists, 100 advance practice nurses, 53 registered nurses, and 51 physician assistants) were surveyed through a third-party market research firm. All participants were practicing in the United States. Individuals working for a pharmaceutical company were excluded. The survey collected demographics, frequency of searching medical information, types of questions searched, sources of medical information, and rationale for preferred and nonpreferred sources of medical information. Use of medical information resources were rated on a 5-point ordinal scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS Of the 511 respondents, 88.5% (452/511) searched for medical information either daily or several times per week. The most common questions involved dosing and administration, drug-drug interactions, adverse events and safety, clinical practice guidelines, and disease state information. The main rationale for using specific medical websites or apps and general online search engines frequently or very frequently was ease of use (medical websites or apps: 269/356, 75.6%; general online search engines: 248/284, 87.3%). Accuracy was the main rationale for frequent or very frequent use of medical literature search databases (163/245, 66.5%), prescribing labels or information (122/213, 57.3%), and professional literature (120/195, 61.5%). The main reason for rarely or never using specific medical websites or apps and medical literature search databases was unfamiliarity (medical websites or apps: 16/48, 33%; medical literature search databases: 35/78, 45%); for general online search engines, inaccuracy (34/54, 63%); and for prescribing labels or information and professional literature, excessive time (prescribing labels or information : 54/102, 52.9%; professional literature: 66/106, 62.3%). The pharmaceutical company was sometimes used as a resource for medical information. When the medical information department was used, the call center and the website were considered thorough and complete (call center: 14/25, 56%; website: 33/55, 60%). However, the rationale for not using the call center was the time required (199/346, 57.5%) and the website being unfamiliar (129/267, 48.3%). CONCLUSIONS The driving forces in the selection of resources are accuracy and ease of use. There is an opportunity to increase awareness of all the appropriate resources for HCPs which may aid in their daily clinical decisions. Specifically, pharmaceutical company medical information departments can help fulfill this need by addressing two major challenges with use of the pharmaceutical company: lack of awareness of medical information services and the speed at which responses are disseminated. Overall, there is lack of understanding or appreciation of the range of pathways to obtain published information and knowledge from pharmaceutical company medical information services. Among the many challenges resource champions will face are the ability to effectively make resources and their platforms accessible, known, and useful to the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn R Hermes-DeSantis
- phactMI, West Point, PA, United States
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Boulos
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
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