Library-sponsored instruction improves core informatics competencies among allied health students: a research-based case study.
Since 1999, a librarian-administered course entitled Computer Literacy for Healthcare Professionals has been required of all incoming occupational, physical, and respiratory therapy students at Stony Brook University. Outcome data from pretests/posttests and student self-assessments over a 3-year period from 2000 to 2002 demonstrate the effectiveness of the training program and of library-sponsored instruction. This study evaluated whether curriculum-integrated informatics training by librarians is effective in enabling allied health students to acquire and retain literature-searching skills. Pretests and posttests measured the impact of instructional intervention upon student acquisition of literature-searching skills; a second posttest ("post5-test") measured skill retention. The intervention group consisted of 179 subjects enrolled in baccalaureate occupational, physical, and respiratory therapy programs between 2000 and 2002; the control group consisted of 48 physician assistant students who had no formal instruction in literature searching. Student self-assessments provided qualitative outcome measures. Paired t test analysis showed that the mean posttest score for the intervention group was considerably greater at the p < 0.01 level (t = 14.868; p < 0.001) than the mean pretest score. The change is statistically significant, and the null hypothesis can be rejected. The results of this study support the conclusion that library-sponsored informatics instruction is effective in improving student acquisition and retention of literature-searching skills.
Van Moorsel
Guillaume
G
Center for Healthcare Informatics Education/Health Sciences Center Library, SUNY 8034, HSC Level 3, Room 136, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8034, USA. guillaume.vanmoorsel@stonybrook.edu
D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D048088:Informatics / Q000193:education*; D009518:New York; D012647:Self-Assessment; D014495:Universities