Article

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.
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.

Langue : ANGLAIS