A new impact assessment method to evaluate knowledge resources.
BACKGROUND
Methods to systematically measure the impact of knowledge resources on health professionals would enhance evaluation of these resources in the real world.


OBJECTIVE
To propose a new impact assessment method.


BACKGROUND
We demonstrated the feasibility of combining a 4-level scale with Computerized Ecological Momentary Assessment (CEMA) for efficiently measuring the impact of a knowledge resource.


METHODS
We critically reviewed the world literature regarding the impact of clinical information-retrieval technology on trainees and doctors, and retained 26 papers for qualitative content analysis.


RESULTS
Of those, 21 use a nominal scale (yes/no), none systematically measures the impact of searches for information outside of a laboratory setting, and none uses an ordinal scale. The literature supports the proposed levels of impact, and suggests a fifth level.


CONCLUSIONS
A new impact assessment method is proposed, which combines a 5-level revised scale and CEMA.
Pluye
Pierre
P
Department of Social Studies of Medicine, McGill University, 3647 Peel Street, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 1X1.
Grad
Roland M
RM
Stephenson
Randolph
R
Dunikowski
Lynn G
LG
D019992:Databases as Topic; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D007256:Information Systems; D013782:Textbooks as Topic