Information behaviour of French-speaking speech-language therapists in Belgium: results of a questionnaire survey.
BACKGROUND
Speech-language therapists (SLTs) are encouraged to implement evidence-based practice (EBP). Nevertheless, EBP use by practitioners can be questioned.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to explore Belgian French-speaking SLTs' information behaviour and their awareness of EBP. The collected data allow one to determine how far they have embraced this approach.


METHODS
The two Belgian French-speaking SLT professional associations promoted an online questionnaire survey by email. Additionally, clinical supervisors of students were asked to participate. In March 2012, 2068 emails were sent.


RESULTS
The participation rate was at least 20% (n = 415). The reported information needs mainly concerned treatment or diagnosis. Most of the time, to attempt to fulfil their information needs, SLTs relied on their own resources (personal experience and libraries) and on colleagues in the workplace. When they searched on the Internet, they preferred to use a general search engine rather than a specialised bibliographic database. Barriers to obtaining scientific information are highlighted. Only 12% of the respondents had already heard about EBP.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the first overview of the information behaviour of SLTs working in the French community of Belgium. Several recommendations are suggested for SLTs and librarians.
ULg Library: Life Sciences Library, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
Nancy
N
Durieux
ULg Library: Life Sciences Library, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
Françoise
F
Pasleau
IFRES-SMART, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
Aurelie
A
Piazza
Department of Public Health, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
Anne-Françoise
AF
Donneau
ULg Library: Life Sciences Library, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
Sandrina
S
Vandenput
Department of Psychology: Cognition and Behavior, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
Christelle
C
Maillart
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D007808:Language Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000592:standards; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
evidence-based practice; information literacy; information seeking behaviour; questionnaires