The Internet and access to evidence: how are nurses positioned?

Abstract

Nurses are more likely to value interpersonal contact, and prefer to use personal experience and communication with colleagues and patients rather than on-line and traditional sources of practice knowledge. In order for an information source to be seen as valuable in the clinical setting, contextually relevant information needs to be accessed quickly and efficiently. Energies should be focused on constructing information systems that address the particular needs of nurses.

Preparing for professional practice: How well does professional training equip health and social care practitioners to engage in evidence-based practice?

“…Our results suggest that mere availability of computers may not be enough to enable practitioners to regularly and confidently engage in evidence-based practice. Unlike Estabrooks et al (2003b) and Rycroft-Malone et al (2004) who state that nurses' use the Internet less than other professional groups we found no such difference between the four professional groups that were studied.…”

“…This would also mean less duplication of work for individual practitioners. Estabrooks et al (2003b) perceived that nurses' use of the Internet was low when compared to other professional groups because nurses preferred to use personal experiences and communication with colleagues and patients to inform clinical practice. Rycroft-Malone et al (2004) highlights from her study that nurses themselves shared this perception.…”

Why Do Nurses Utilize Textual Knowledge Sources at Work?

“…The various paper-based tools seem to be considered both flexible and updated. In line with Estabrooks et al (25), this is an area that needs further investigation since computers are increasingly taking over as distributors of knowledge in hospital wards.…”

Professional Learning in Sonography

“…Whilst the Internet offers access to large quantities of information the lack of quality control over information on the Internet means that its use as a major information source for health professionals has been limited (40). To take advantage of the perceived accessibility of electronic information whilst overcoming the disadvantages of variable quality of information, governments in Australia and internationally have developed Electronic Information Portals to provide health professionals with up-to-date information to inform their clinical practice.…”