Effectiveness and efficiency of a literature search strategy to answer questions on the etiology of occupational diseases: a controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a search strategy to find evidence-based answers to questions related to the possible occupational etiology of diseases.


METHODS
A controlled trial of 70 occupational health physicians and 55 insurance physicians who were asked to answer one out of four 'occupational disease case-vignettes' following the steps of evidence-based medicine (EBM). The intervention group were given the search strategy as a tool.


RESULTS
The intervention group scored significantly better than the control group in answering the main question of the case-vignette correctly (57% versus 37%) using more adequate search terms. The intervention group scored significantly better regarding satisfaction with the applied search strategy (28% very satisfied versus 8%). We found no differences in time spent in solving the case or in the intention of future practice of EBM.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction and application of specific search strategies can have a positive effect on the effectiveness of searching literature. Future initiatives for developing and testing specific search strategies in the field of occupational health should be encouraged.
Schaafsma
Frederieke
F
Coronel Institute of Occupational Health/Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Academic Medical Center, Universiteit van Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22700, 1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. f.g.schaafsma@amc.uva.nl
Hulshof
Carel
C
de Boer
Angela
A
van Dijk
Frank
F
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010820:Physicians; D010865:Pilot Projects