This study focused on measuring the importance and contribution of information obtained from the
library, particularly electronic information services (EIS), to success in solving clinical problems in
hospitals. Three research questions with three main hypotheses were advanced and tested on clinicians
in 44 hospitals in Hong Kong. The findings were tested against the framework from Wilson's (1996)
existing general information behaviour model, from which a new extended model for clinicians was
built. Measures of EIS were then derived from the new model.
The research was broadly divided into a series of five studies in two stages: nominal group,
quantitative survey, and interviews in the first stage, and randomized controlled study as well as the
analyses of statistical data and computer transaction logs in the second stage. The key results in Stage I
led to the studies in Stage 11. The randomized controlled study in Stage 11 attempted to reduce the
barriers identified in the information environment, with a view to test the results of an educational
intervention, and to confirm that the hypotheses were true given reduced barriers and the presence of
enabling conditions. The effects of the interventions in this experimental study were validated and
verified by statistical data and transaction logs.
Corroborative evidence from the two-stage studies showed that the three main inter-connected
hypotheses were supported: success in problem-solving is related to the information sources used; user
satisfaction is related to success in problem-solving; and EIS use is an indicator of user satisfaction.
EIS use is determined by a number of factors: the preference for EIS, the use of the library, the skills
and knowledge in searching, the profession of the user and the characteristics of the work environment.
Educational intervention was found to improve success in problem-solving, the attitudes, skills and
knowledge in searching, the satisfaction with and use of EIS, and is an important enabling condition.
The research rejected part of the first hypothesis posed that success in problem-solving is related to
clinical question posed and suggests that further research is needed in this area.
The study supported the extension of the general model to clinical information needs and
behaviours and found new relationships. The study found an additional determinant of EIS
satisfaction, the satisfaction with the information obtained. EIS satisfaction would not be changed by
educational intervention alone if the information obtained was not satisfactory. On the other hand,
education can improve EIS satisfaction regardless of whether the problem has been solved. Of critical
importance is the time factor in determining the use (or non-use) of EIS. There is new evidence that
the awareness of the user of an answer in literature is a determining factor for active searching.
Borrowing the concept of opportunity cost from economic theory, the researcher relates it with the
differing levels of self-efficacy and postulates a model for planning EIS and related library services.
From the new extended model of information behaviour, sixteen main measures or indicators
were tested on a proposed framework in developing performance measures to diagnose information
behaviours and predict EIS use, satisfaction and success in problem-solving. In measuring EIS, the
researcher suggested the holistic approach in assessing traditional (non-electronic) library and
information services as part of information behaviours of clinicians. The study pointed to the
imbalance between self-efficacy and the actual skills and knowledge of users in their searching
mentality and activities and the implication for library practice. Qualitative aspects that require further
research on measurement were suggested.
The study has important ramifications for theory and practice for the information professional.
The new extended model of information behaviour for clinicians establishes deterministic relationships
that help explain why an information search is pursued actively, continuously, or not at all. Measures
that have been derived from these relationships can help diagnose and predict information behaviours.
The study highlights the flexibility and utility of the general model of information behaviour. Also,
this is the first time that such a methodological approach has been adopted to derive EIS measures.
The application of the randomized controlled study methodology in information science was proven to
be feasible and yielded definitive results. The researcher proposes that further development of
information behaviour model should incorporate the element of knowledge generation process in an
organization.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218628 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Cheng, Grace Y. T., n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Information Management and Tourism |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Grace Y. T. Cheng |
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