Exploration of individual socioeconomic and health-related characteristics associated with human papillomavirus vaccination initiation and vaccination series completion among adult females: A comprehensive systematic evidence review with meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among females are lower than the World Health Organization target and vaccination rates specifically among adult females are even much lower.

METHODS

We systematically evaluated individual socioeconomic and health-related characteristics associated with HPV vaccination initiation and vaccination series completion among adult females (PROSPERO: CRD42023445721). We performed a literature search on December 14, 2022, and supplemented the search on August 1, 2023. We pooled appropriate multivariable-adjusted results using an inverse variance random-effects model and expressed the results as odds ratios with associated 95 % confidence intervals. A point pooled significantly increased/decreased odds of 30-69 % was regarded to be strongly associated, and ≥ 70 % was very strongly associated.

RESULTS

We included 63 cross-sectional studies. There were strongly increased odds of vaccination initiation among White women compared with Black or Asian women, and those with higher education, health insurance, a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), receipt of influenza vaccination in the preceding year, not married/cohabiting, not smoking, using contraception, and having visited a healthcare provider in the preceding year. We observed very strongly increased odds of vaccination initiation among those younger and having been born in the country of study. Similarly, there were strongly increased odds of completing the vaccination series for the same variables as initiating vaccination, except for higher education, prior STI, smoking and contraception use. Additional variables associated with strongly increased odds of vaccination series completion not seen in initiation were higher annual household income, being lesbian/bisexual, and having a primary care physician. We observed very strongly increased odds of vaccination series completion similar to vaccination initiation but including for White compared with Black women, higher education, and prior cervical cancer screening.

CONCLUSIONS

These individual characteristics may be the key to identifying women at increased risk of not being vaccinated against HPV and could inform targeted messaging to drive HPV vaccination.

A study of search strategy availability statements and sharing practices for systematic reviews: Ask and you might receive

The literature search underpins data collection for all systematic reviews (SRs). The SR reporting guideline PRISMA, and its extensions, aim to facilitate research transparency and reproducibility, and ultimately improve the quality of research, by instructing authors to provide specific research materials and data upon publication of the manuscript. Search strategies are one item of data that are explicitly included in PRISMA and the critical appraisal tool AMSTAR2. Yet some authors use search availability statements implying that the search strategies are available upon request instead of providing strategies up front. We sought out reviews with search availability statements, characterized them, and requested the search strategies from authors via email. Over half of the included reviews cited PRISMA but less than a third included any search strategies. After requesting the strategies via email as instructed, we received replies from 46% of authors, and eventually received at least one search strategy from 36% of authors. Requesting search strategies via email has a low chance of success. Ask and you might receive-but you probably will not. SRs that do not make search strategies available are low quality at best according to AMSTAR2; Journal editors can and should enforce the requirement for authors to include their search strategies alongside their SR manuscripts.

De-identification of free text data containing personal health information: a scoping review of reviews

Introduction

Using data in research often requires that the data first be de-identified, particularly in the case of health data, which often include Personal Identifiable Information (PII) and/or Personal Health Identifying Information (PHII). There are established procedures for de-identifying structured data, but de-identifying clinical notes, electronic health records, and other records that include free text data is more complex. Several different ways to achieve this are documented in the literature. This scoping review identifies categories of de-identification methods that can be used for free text data.

Methods

We adopted an established scoping review methodology to examine review articles published up to May 9, 2022, in Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; Scopus; the ACM Digital Library; IEEE Explore; and Compendex. Our research question was: What methods are used to de-identify free text data? Two independent reviewers conducted title and abstract screening and full-text article screening using the online review management tool Covidence.

Results

The initial literature search retrieved 3,312 articles, most of which focused primarily on structured data. Eighteen publications describing methods of de-identification of free text data met the inclusion criteria for our review. The majority of the included articles focused on removing categories of personal health information identified by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The de-identification methods they described combined rule-based methods or machine learning with other strategies such as deep learning.

Conclusion

Our review identifies and categorises de-identification methods for free text data as rule-based methods, machine learning, deep learning and a combination of these and other approaches. Most of the articles we found in our search refer to de-identification methods that target some or all categories of PHII. Our review also highlights how de-identification systems for free text data have evolved over time and points to hybrid approaches as the most promising approach for the future.

Correlation between country-level numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortalities, and country-level characteristics: A global study

Background: Not much is known about correlations between country-level characteristics and country-level numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortalities. Methods: Using data from the World Health Organization and other international organisations, we summarised country-level COVID-19 case and mortality counts per 100,000 population, and COVID-19 case fatality rate from January 2020 to August 2021. We conducted adjusted linear regression analysis to assess relationships between these counts/rate and certain country-level characteristics. We reported adjusted regression coefficients, β and associated 95% confidence intervals. Results: There was a positive correlation between the number of cases and country-level male/female ratio, and positive correlations between the numbers of cases and mortalities and country-level proportion of 60+-year-olds, universal health coverage index of service coverage (UHC) and tourism. Country economic status correlated negatively with the numbers of cases and mortalities. COVID-19 case fatality rate was highest in Peru, South American region (9.2%), and lowest in Singapore, Western Pacific region (0.1%). A negative correlation was observed between case fatality rate and country-level male/female ratio, population density and economic status. These observations remained mostly among mid-/low-income countries, particularly a positive correlation between the number of cases and male/female ratio and proportion of 60+-year-olds. Conclusions: Various country-level characteristics such as male/female ratio, proportion of older adults, country economic status, UHC and tourism appear to be correlated with the country-level number of COVID-19 cases and/or mortalities. Consideration of these characteristics may be necessary when designing country-level COVID-19 epidemiological studies and in comparing COVID-19 data between countries.

The Number Needed to Vaccinate (NNV) against herpes zoster: a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The number needed to vaccinate (NNV) quantifies the effectiveness of vaccination programs. We summarised the published data on NNV against herpes zoster to inform vaccination policies.

METHODS

We systematically identified studies based on a priori established and registered methods. The main outcomes were the NNV against herpes zoster infection, hospitalisation and mortality. Where appropriate, we conducted meta-analyses using inverse variance, random-effects models, pooling estimated NNV with associated 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical heterogeneity between pooled estimates was calculated using the I² statistic.

RESULTS

Out of 229 unique citations, we included eight nonrandomized studies. Among 50+ year-olds, the NNV against herpes zoster infection using the recombinant subunit vaccine was 11 (95%CI 8-14; I² = 0%; 3 studies) and variable (I² = 94.4%; 7 studies) using live attenuated vaccine, ranging from 10 (95%CI 1-19) to 58 (95%CI 49-67). Among 65+ year-olds, the NNV against herpes zoster infection using the recombinant subunit vaccine was 12 (95%CI: 9-15; I² = 0%; 2 studies) and variable (I² = 98.5%; 4 studies) using live attenuated vaccine, ranging from 14 (95%CI 5-23) to 75 (95%CI 66-84). The NNV against herpes zoster hospitalisation among 65+ year-olds using the live attenuated vaccine was 280 (95%CI 209-352; I² = 0%; 2 studies). There was a paucity of data to inform other meta-analyses.

CONCLUSION

Evidence on the NNV against herpes zoster is scarce. Vaccination with the recombinant subunit herpes zoster vaccine may be more effective than with the live attenuated vaccine in preventing infection among 50+ year-olds. More studies are needed for a stronger evidence base for decision-making.

Adoption of peer review of literature search strategies in knowledge synthesis from 2009 to 2018: An overview

BACKGROUND

Knowledge synthesis (KS) reviews rely on good quality literature searches to capture a complete set of relevant studies, and peer review of the search strategy is one quality control mechanism that contributes to better quality reviews. Guidelines for peer review of electronic search strategies (PRESS) have been available since 2008.

OBJECTIVES

This overview provides a snapshot of KS indexed in Scopus, published between 2009 and 2018, that reported peer review of the literature search strategy.

METHODS

Articles were identified through citation chasing for PRESS guidance documents and supplementary keyword searches. The characteristics of individual articles and the journals that published them were documented, and descriptive statistics were compiled.

RESULTS

415 articles from 169 journals met inclusion criteria. Approximately half were published in 14 journal titles. Most reviews reported the involvement of an information professional, but PRESS reviewers were rarely acknowledged. An overwhelming majority of review teams were based in Canada.

DISCUSSION

Reported use of PRESS was low during the period examined, but under-reporting may be a factor. Investigation of the barriers and facilitators of PRESS adoption is needed.

CONCLUSION

Despite its value, adoption of PRESS appears low. Advocacy for, and education about, PRESS may be required.

Sociodemographic and health-related determinants of seasonal influenza vaccination in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence since 2000

INTRODUCTION

Vaccination is considered to be the most practical and effective preventative measure against influenza. It is highly recommended for population subgroups most at risk of developing complications, including pregnant women. However, seasonal influenza vaccine uptake remains suboptimal among pregnant women, even in jurisdictions with universal vaccination. We summarized the evidence on the determinants of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake during pregnancy to better understand factors that influence vaccine uptake among pregnant women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL from January 2000 to February 2020 for publications in English reporting on sociodemographic and/or health-related determinants of seasonal influenza vaccine uptake during pregnancy. Two reviewers independently included studies. One reviewer extracted data and assessed study quality, and another reviewer checked extracted data and study quality assessments for errors. Disagreements were resolved through consensus, or a third reviewer. We meta-analyzed using the inverse variance, random-effects method, and reported the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

From 1663 retrieved citations, we included 36 studies. The following factors were associated with increased seasonal influenza vaccine uptake: Older age (20 studies: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.20), being nulliparous (13 studies: OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.15-1.38), married (8 studies: OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.07-1.15), employed (4 studies: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.24), a non-smoker (8 studies: OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.04-1.51) and having prenatal care (3 studies: OR 3.36, 95% CI 2.25-5.02), a chronic condition (6 studies: OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.17-1.44), been previously vaccinated (9 studies: OR 4.88, 95% CI 3.14-7.57) and living in a rural area (9 studies: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.14). Compared with being black, being white was also associated with increased seasonal influenza vaccine uptake (11 studies: OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20-1.41).

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence suggests that several sociodemographic and health-related factors may determine seasonal influenza vaccination in pregnancy, and that parity, history of influenza vaccination, prenatal care and comorbidity status may be influential.

Seasonal influenza vaccination among cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the determinants

Cancer patients are among high-risk individuals for whom seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) is recommended, but rates of vaccination in this subpopulation remain suboptimal; even in jurisdictions with universal influenza vaccination programs. We sought to summarize the evidence to better understand the determinants of SIV uptake (vaccine receipt) among cancer patients. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL from 2000 to February 12, 2020, focusing on articles on the determinants of seasonal influenza vaccination among cancer patients, published in English. Study selection was conducted independently by 2 reviewers. One reviewer extracted data from the included studies and another reviewer checked the extracted data for errors. Outcomes were sociodemographic and health-related factors. We pooled adjusted results from studies using the inverse variance, random-effects method, and reported the odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Out of 2664 citations, 10 studies (mostly from USA and South Korea) met our eligibility criteria. Overall, being older (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.46-3.38; I² 92.3%, [6 studies]), a nonsmoker (1.43, 1.32-1.51; I² 0%, [4 studies]), having a chronic illness (1.18, 1.07-1.29; I² 15.7%, [5 studies]), having had a medical check-up in the past year (1.75, 1.65-1.86; I² 0%, [2 studies]), and having health insurance (1.39, 1.13-1.72; I² 21.8%, [3 studies]) were associated with increased SIV uptake. Compared with being African-American, being Caucasian was also associated with increased SIV uptake (1.79, 1.47-2.13; I² 10.7%, [3 studies]). Limited evidence suggests seasonal influenza vaccination among cancer patients may be determined by some sociodemographic and health-related factors.

Self-Compassion, Adaptive Reactions and Health Behaviours Among Adults With Prediabetes and Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes: A Scoping Review

Engaging in health-promoting behaviours has health benefits for people with prediabetes or diabetes. People experience negative affect after diagnoses, which can impede self-regulation of health behaviours. Self-compassion, extending care to oneself in difficult times, can mitigate negative affect and promote self-regulation. This scoping review explored the relationship between self-compassion and adaptive affect, self-regulation and engagement in health-promoting/management behaviours among people with prediabetes or diabetes. We conducted a scoping literature search from 6 databases for studies and conference abstracts. Randomized controlled trials and cross-sectional, longitudinal, observational and qualitative designs focused on self-compassion were included. Eligible studies included adults with diabetes (prediabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational), measured self-compassion using a validated Self-Compassion Scale (quantitative) or included the 3 components (qualitative) and investigated: negative affect, health promoting/management behaviours and/or self-regulation. After deduplication, 5,338 quantitative and 953 qualitative abstracts, and 18 conference proceedings were screened leaving 35 articles. Full-text screening retained 11 eligible studies (6 cross-sectional studies, 2 randomized controlled trials, 2 longitudinal studies and 1 qualitative study). Higher self-compassion was associated with decreased negative affect in 9 studies and was positively associated with well-being in 1 cross-sectional study. Self-compassion led to decreased negative affect and improved blood glucose in 2 interventions. Five studies found positive associations between self-compassion and health-promoting/management behaviours. One qualitative study found self-compassion to benefit affective reactions, health-promoting behaviours and self-regulation. This review shows that self-compassion is linked to adaptive behavioural and affective responding among people with prediabetes and diabetes, and the need for more research on self-compassion and self-regulation in these populations.

Determinants of Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Uptake Among the Elderly in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Despite the availability of a universal influenza vaccination program in the United States and Canada, seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) uptake among the elderly remains suboptimal. Understanding the factors that determine SIV uptake in this important population subgroup is essential for designing effective interventions to improve seasonal influenza vaccination among the elderly. We evaluated the determinants of SIV uptake in the elderly in the United States and Canada. Methods: We systematically searched relevant bibliographic databases and websites from 2000 to 2017 for population-based clinical trials or observational studies conducted in community-based elderly individuals in the United States or Canada, irrespective of health status. Two reviewers independently screened the identified citations for eligibility using a two-stage sifting approach to review the title/abstract and full-text article. We gathered data on determinants of uptake (any vaccine receipt) and adherence (receipt of vaccine in more than one season) to seasonal influenza vaccination. Where possible, we pooled the data using inverse variance methods to minimize the variance of the weighted average. Results: Five cross-sectional studies on SIV uptake (none on adherence) from the United States met our eligibility criteria. Being older (pooled odds ratio [POR] = 1.44, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.11, 1.86); White (POR = 1.33, 95% CI = [1.10, 1.64]); and having higher income (POR = 1.06, 95% CI = [1.04, 1.09]); and health insurance (POR = 1.40, 95% CI = [1.25, 1.55]) were associated with increased SIV uptake. Conclusion: Older, ethnically White, higher income elderly individuals with access to health insurance coverage and a regular health care provider have higher SIV uptake in the United States. There was limited evidence for other socioeconomic and health-related determinants. Further studies are needed to provide an evidence base for planning more effective influenza vaccination programs in the United States.

A review protocol on research partnerships: a Coordinated Multicenter Team approach

BACKGROUND

Research partnership approaches, in which researchers and stakeholders work together collaboratively on a research project, are an important component of research, knowledge translation, and implementation. Despite their growing use, a comprehensive understanding of the principles, strategies, outcomes, and impacts of different types of research partnerships is lacking. Generating high-quality evidence in this area is challenging due to the breadth and diversity of relevant literature. We established a Coordinated Multicenter Team approach to identify and synthesize the partnership literature and better understand the evidence base. This review protocol outlines an innovative approach to locating, reviewing, and synthesizing the literature on research partnerships.

METHODS

Five reviews pertaining to research partnerships are proposed. The Coordinated Multicenter Team developed a consensus-driven conceptual framework to guide the reviews. First, a review of reviews will comparatively describe and synthesize key domains (principles, strategies, outcomes, and impacts) for different research partnership approaches, within and beyond health (e.g., integrated knowledge translation, participatory action research). After identifying commonly used search terminology, three complementary scoping reviews will describe and synthesize these domains in the health research partnership literature. Finally, an umbrella review will amalgamate and reflect on the collective findings and identify research gaps and future directions. We will develop a collaborative review methodology, comprising search strategy efficiencies, terminology standardization, and the division of screening, extraction, and synthesis to optimize feasibility and literature capture. A series of synthesis and scoping manuscripts will emerge from this Coordinated Multicenter Team approach.

DISCUSSION

Comprehensively describing and differentiating research partnership terminology and its domains will address well-documented gaps in the literature. These efforts will contribute to and improve the quality, conduct, and reporting of research partnership literature. The collaborative review methodology will help identify and establish common terms, leverage efficiencies (e.g., expertise, experience, search and protocol design, resources) and optimize research feasibility and quality. Our approach allows for enhanced scope and inclusivity of all research user groups and domains, thereby contributing uniquely to the literature. This multicenter, efficiency and quality-focused approach may serve to inspire researchers across the globe in addressing similar domain challenges, as exist in this rapidly expanding field.

Considerations for adaptive design in pediatric clinical trials: study protocol for a systematic review, mixed-methods study, and integrated knowledge translation plan

Background

Although children have historically been excluded from clinical trials (CTs), many require medicines tested and approved in CTs, forcing health care providers to treat their pediatric patients based on extrapolated data. Unfortunately, traditional randomized CTs can be slow and resource-intensive, and they often require multi-center collaboration. However, an adaptive design (AD) framework for CTs could be used to increase the efficiency of pediatric CTs by incorporating prospectively planned modifications to CT methods without undermining the integrity or validity of the study. There are many possible adaptations, but each will have ethical, logistical, and statistical implications. It remains unclear which adaptations (or combinations thereof) will lead to real-world improvements in pediatric CT efficiency. This study will identify, evaluate, and synthesize the various regulatory, ethical, logistical, and statistical considerations and emerging issues of AD in CTs that could be used to evaluate the use of drugs in children.

Methods/design

Following the development of a peer-reviewed search strategy, a systematic review on AD in CTs will be conducted. Data on regulatory, ethical, logistic, and statistical considerations as well as population and trial design characteristics will be synthesized. A mixed-methods study including surveys and focus groups with regulators, research ethics board members, biostatisticians, clinicians, and scientists, as well as representatives from patient groups and the public will evaluate the opportunities and challenges in applying AD in trials enrolling children and propose recommendations on best practices.

Discussion

This study will deliver practical recommendations on the use of AD in pediatric CTs. Collaboration and consultation with national and global partners will ensure that our results meet the needs of researchers, regulators, and patients, both locally and globally, and that they remain current and relevant by engaging a wide variety of stakeholders. Overall, this research will enrich the knowledge base regarding if, how, and when AD can be used to answer research questions with fewer resources while still meeting the highest ethical standards and regulatory requirements for CTs. In turn, this will result in increased high-quality clinical research needed by health care providers so they have access to appropriate, population-specific evidence regarding the safe and effective use of medicines in children.

Publication of Randomized Clinical Trials in Pediatric Research: A Follow-up Study

IMPORTANCE

Nonpublication of research results in considerable research waste and compromises medical evidence and the safety of interventions in child health.

OBJECTIVE

To replicate, compare, and contrast the findings of a study conducted 15 years ago to determine the impact of ethical, editorial, and legislative mandates to register and publish findings.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this cohort study, abstracts accepted to the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) meetings from May 2008 to May 2011 were screened in duplicate to identify phase 3 randomized clinical trials enrolling pediatric populations. Subsequent publication was ascertained through a search of electronic databases in 2017. Study internal validity was measured using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, the Jadad scale, and allocation concealment, and key variables (eg, trial design and study stage) were extracted. Associations between variables and publication status, time to publication, and publication bias were examined.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Publication rate, trial registration rate, study quality, and risk of bias.

RESULTS

A total of 177 787 abstracts were indexed in the PAS database. Of these, 3132 were clinical trials, and 129 met eligibility criteria. Of these, 93 (72.1%; 95% CI, 53.8%-79.1%) were published. Compared with the previous analysis, the current analysis showed that fewer studies remained unpublished (183 of 447 [40.9%] vs 36 of 129 [27.9%], respectively; odds ratio [OR], 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.86; P = .008). Fifty-one of 129 abstracts (39.5%) were never registered. Abstracts with larger sample sizes (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.15-3.18; P = .01) and those registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (OR, 13.54; 95% CI, 4.78-38.46; P < .001) were more likely to be published. There were no differences in quality measures, risk of bias, or preference for positive results (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 0.58-4.38; P = .34) between published and unpublished studies. Mean (SE) time to publication following study presentation was 26.48 (1.97) months and did not differ between studies with significant and nonsignificant findings (25.61 vs 26.86 months; P = .93). Asymmetric distribution in the funnel plot (Egger regression, -2.77; P = .04) suggests reduced but ongoing publication bias among published studies. Overall, we observed a reduction in publication bias and in preference for positive findings and an increase in study size and publication rates over time.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These results suggest a promising trend toward a reduction in publication bias and nonpublication rates over time and positive impacts of trial registration. Further efforts are needed to ensure the entirety of evidence can be accessed when assessing treatment effectiveness.

Effectiveness of evidence-based treatments of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this paper is to provide a protocol for a systematic review assessing the effectiveness of evidence from randomised controlled trials comparing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions with placebo/dummy interventions or usual standards of care in children and adolescents (<18 years old).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The following electronic databases will be searched: Medline (Ovid), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Plus with Full text (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library-Wiley), PsycINFO (ProQuest) and Proquest DissertationsandTheses will be searched from inception to March 2017 for relevant citations of published trials using individualised search strategies prepared for database. We will also search the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings. Two reviewers will independently assess each study against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria and extract data including population characteristics, types and duration of interventions and outcomes from included trials. Internal validity will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Primary outcome measures will be improvements in symptoms, including: hyperactivity, impulsivity and attention as measured by standard rating scales. Secondary outcome measures will include improvements in physical and mental health domains, as well as cognitive, behavioural, social and educational skills as measured by rating scales, standardised psychometric tests of IQ and memory, grade repetition, literacy tests and diagnosis of mental health disorder.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval will not be obtained since it is not required for systematic reviews as there are no concerns regarding patient privacy. The results of this review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-review journal and presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42013005996.

What Do Health Libraries Tweet About? A Content Analysis

Many libraries have adopted Twitter to connect with their clients, but the library literature has only begun to explore how health libraries use Twitter in practice. When presented with new responsibility for tweeting on behalf of her library, the author was faced with the question “what do other health libraries tweet about?”. This paper presents a content analysis of a sample of tweets from ten health and medical libraries in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Five hundred twenty-four tweets were collected over 4 one-week periods in 2014 and analyzed using a grounded theory approach to identify themes and categories. The health libraries included in this study appear to use Twitter primarily as a current awareness tool, focusing on topics external to the library and its broader organization and including little original content. This differs from previous studies which have found that libraries tend to use Twitter primarily for library promotion. While this snapshot of Twitter activity helps shed light on how health libraries use Twitter, further research is needed to understand the underlying factors that shape libraries’ Twitter use. Beaucoup de bibliothèques ont choisi d’utiliser Twitter pour communiquer avec leurs clients, mais la littérature a commencé à peine à explorer comment des bibliothèques de la santé utilisent Twitter dans la pratique. Lorsqu’on lui a présenté la nouvelle responsabilité de s’occuper du compte Twitter pour la bibliothèque, l’auteure s’est demandé « qu'est-ce que d’autres bibliothèques de la santé disent sur Twitter ? ». Cet article présente une analyse du contenu d’un échantillon de Tweets de dix bibliothèques médicales au Canada, aux États-Unis et au Royaume-Uni. 524 Tweets ont été recueillis au cours de quatre périodes d’une semaine en 2014 et ont été analysés selon une théorie ancrée afin d’identifier des thèmes et des catégories. Les bibliothèques de la santé incluses dans l’étude paraissent utiliser Twitter principalement comme outil de sensibilisation, se concentrant sur des sujets en dehors de la bibliothèque et l’organisation en général, et comprenant peu de contenu original. Cela se différencie d’autres études qui ont trouvé que les bibliothèques sont enclines à utiliser Twitter principalement pour la promotion de la bibliothèque. Bien que cet aperçu d’activité sur Twitter aide à éclairer la façon dont des bibliothèques l’utilisent, une recherche plus approfondie est nécessaire afin de comprendre les facteurs sous-jacents qui touchent l’usage de Twitter par des bibliothèques.

Efficacy of screen-capture tutorials in literature search training: a pilot study of a research method

This pilot study evaluated a research method for examining the efficacy of screen capture tutorials in teaching database search skills. This is not a results-oriented paper but rather describes the facets and testing of a mixed methods protocol. The lessons learned can be applied to a result-oriented study with a larger sample size and to the development of methods for similar studies. The protocol tried to balance control of variables with observing behavior in the natural setting. A combination of concept maps, an information stage questionnaire, and screen recordings provided rich information about health practitioners' research questions and search strategies.

Have computers, will travel: providing on-site library instruction in rural health facilities using a portable computer lab

The Saskatchewan Health Information Resources Partnership (SHIRP) provides library instruction to Saskatchewan's health care practitioners and students on placement in health care facilities as part of its mission to provide province-wide access to evidence-based health library resources. A portable computer lab was assembled in 2007 to provide hands-on training in rural health facilities that do not have computer labs of their own. Aside from some minor inconveniences, the introduction and operation of the portable lab has gone smoothly. The lab has been well received by SHIRP patrons and continues to be an essential part of SHIRP outreach.