Use of libraries and electronic information resources by primary care staff: outcomes from a survey.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the use of existing libraries; usage of the Internet and biomedical databases; and need for training on use of the Internet and biomedical databases for primary care staff.


METHODS
A postal survey of general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses (PNs) and practice managers (PMs) in Nottingham and Rotherham, UK.


RESULTS
Overall, 243 questionnaires were used. The response rate in Nottingham was 24%, in Rotherham it was 34%. Reported use of libraries was low (30%), with PNs reporting significantly higher usage (65%) than others (P < 0.01). Most respondents reported using the Internet (81%), but fewer (44%) reported using databases. GPs and PNs were significantly more likely to report using databases than PMs (P < 0.01). Lack of training was the most reported barrier to using the Internet (67%) and databases (52%). Overall, 52% of respondents reported wanting Internet training, 64% wanted database training. The percentages requesting training on databases were high among GPs and PNs, but significantly lower for PMs (P = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
There are differences in the usage of libraries and electronic resources among the primary care team, and in reported training needs. While the reported levels of usage of the Internet and biomedical databases are encouraging, our study identified a training need. If met, this could increase usage further.
Doney
Liz
L
Knowledge Resources, Nottingham City Primary Care Trust, Nottingham, UK. liz.doney@nottingham-his.nhs.uk
Barlow
Helen
H
West
Joe
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003200:Computer User Training / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018966:Library Materials / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008503:Medical Staff / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom