The application and value of information sources in clinical practice: An examination of the perspective of naturopaths

Steel, A; Adams, J

The application and value of information sources in clinical practice: An examination of the perspective of naturopaths

Steel, A

Adams, J

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Health Information and Libraries Journal, 2011, 28 (2), pp. 110 - 118
Issue Date:: 2011-06-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Steel, A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6643-9444	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Adams, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-5717	en_US
dc.date.issued	2011-06-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Health Information and Libraries Journal, 2011, 28 (2), pp. 110 - 118	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1471-1834	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/17123
dc.description.abstract	Background: The approach of evidence-based medicine (EBM), providing a paradigm to validate information sources and a process for critiquing their value, is an important platform for guiding practice. Researchers have explored the application and value of information sources in clinical practice with regard to a range of health professions; however, naturopathic practice has been overlooked. Objectives: An exploratory study of naturopaths' perspectives of the application and value of information sources has been undertaken. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 12 naturopaths in current clinical practice, concerning the information sources used in clinical practice and their perceptions of these sources. Results: Thematic analysis identified differences in the application of the variety of information sources used, depending upon the perceived validity. Internet databases were viewed as highly valid. Textbooks, formal education and interpersonal interactions were judged based upon a variety of factors, whilst validation of general internet sites and manufacturers information was required prior to use. Conclusions: The findings of this study will provide preliminary aid to those responsible for supporting naturopaths' information use and access. In particular, it may assist publishers, medical librarians and professional associations in developing strategies to expand the clinically useful information sources available to naturopaths. © 2011 The authors. Health Information and Libraries Journal © 2011 Health Libraries Group.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Health Information and Libraries Journal	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1111/j.1471-1842.2011.00929.x	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Information & Library Sciences	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Humans	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Naturopathy	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Questionnaires	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Attitude of Health Personnel	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Information Dissemination	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Evidence-Based Medicine	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Qualitative Research	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Clinical Competence	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Mentors	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Needs Assessment	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Internet	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Libraries, Medical	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Databases, Factual	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Health Services Research	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Female	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Male	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Surveys and Questionnaires	en_US
dc.title	The application and value of information sources in clinical practice: An examination of the perspective of naturopaths	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	2	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	28	en_US
utslib.for	1104 Complementary and Alternative Medicine	en_US
utslib.for	0807 Library and Information Studies	en_US
utslib.for	1110 Nursing	en_US
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services	en_US
dc.location.activity	ISI:000290586300004	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.issue	2	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	28	en_US

Abstract:

Background: The approach of evidence-based medicine (EBM), providing a paradigm to validate information sources and a process for critiquing their value, is an important platform for guiding practice. Researchers have explored the application and value of information sources in clinical practice with regard to a range of health professions; however, naturopathic practice has been overlooked. Objectives: An exploratory study of naturopaths' perspectives of the application and value of information sources has been undertaken. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 12 naturopaths in current clinical practice, concerning the information sources used in clinical practice and their perceptions of these sources. Results: Thematic analysis identified differences in the application of the variety of information sources used, depending upon the perceived validity. Internet databases were viewed as highly valid. Textbooks, formal education and interpersonal interactions were judged based upon a variety of factors, whilst validation of general internet sites and manufacturers information was required prior to use. Conclusions: The findings of this study will provide preliminary aid to those responsible for supporting naturopaths' information use and access. In particular, it may assist publishers, medical librarians and professional associations in developing strategies to expand the clinically useful information sources available to naturopaths. © 2011 The authors. Health Information and Libraries Journal © 2011 Health Libraries Group.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/17123