| dc.description.abstract | Aims and objectives: The aim of this two-part paper is to identify the main
transferable lessons learned from both the quantitative and qualitative
evaluations of the KA24 (Knowledge Access 24) service of online databases
and selected full-text journals for health and social care staff in London and the
south-east of England. The objectives of the qualitative evaluation were to
assess the enablers and barriers to usage, and to assess the impact of the service
on patient care.
Methods: Telephone interviews (n = 65) and a questionnaire survey (n = 296)
were conducted with various types of user, in various Trust settings. Some nonusers
were also contacted. Selection of interviewees and questionnaire recipients
was not random, and aimed to cover all groups of users representatively.
Results: Results show that policy goals were being delivered, with indications
of changes to clinical practice, and improved clinical governance. Promotion,
training and support needs to be extensive, and tailored to needs, but users are
not always aware they need training. The sharing of passwords cast doubts on
the reliability of some usage data.
Conclusions: Digital health library services, delivered at the point of care, are
changing the way some clinicians practise. A combination of qualitative
and quantitative evaluation methods are needed to assess digital library
services. | en_US |
