Clinical information behavior of rehabilitation therapists: a review of the research on occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists

Kloda, Lorie Andrea and Bartlett, Joan C. Clinical information behavior of rehabilitation therapists: a review of the research on occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 2009, vol. 97, n. 3, pp. 197-202. [Journal article (Paginated)]

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English abstract

Objectives: The review sought to synthesize existing research relevant to rehabilitation therapists' clinical information behavior and to identify gaps in evidence, particularly in comparison to what is already known about the information behavior of other health professionals, such as physicians. Methods: A literature review was conducted of both quantitative and qualitative research studies that included information on the clinical information behavior of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Findings were organized according to a taxonomy of variables derived from the literature. Results: Findings from seventeen studies, mostly surveys, conducted since 1990 demonstrate that very little is known about the clinical information needs of and information use by rehabilitation therapists. The sources most often consulted by rehabilitation therapists are printed materials (books and journals) and colleagues. Databases are consulted less often, and few rehabilitation therapists are aware of databases other than MEDLINE. Discussion: Methodological flaws limit the generalizability and validity of much of the research conducted on the clinical information behavior of this population. More research is needed to better understand the clinical questions that arise in rehabilitation therapists' practice, reasons for consulting certain sources, and ways in which information seeking enhances evidence-based practice.

Item type: Journal article (Paginated)
Keywords: information behaviour, clinical information, rehabilitation therapists, evidence-based practice, EBP, physiotherapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, health professionals, information needs, clinical questions
Subjects: B. Information use and sociology of information > BA. Use and impact of information.
H. Information sources, supports, channels. > HZ. None of these, but in this section.
B. Information use and sociology of information > BH. Information needs and information requirements analysis.
Depositing user: Lorie A. Kloda
Date deposited: 25 Jul 2009
Last modified: 02 Oct 2014 12:14
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10760/13361

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