Evaluating the impact of MEDLINE using the Critical Incident Technique.

摘要: An adaptation of the Critical Incident Technique for evaluation an online information system is described. 552 users National Library Medicine's MEDLINE database, interviewed by telephone and responding to a highly structured set open-ended questions, reported 1,158 incidents in which results search was especially helpful (or not helpful) carrying out professional activities. Systematic analysis these "critical incidents" produced three comprehensive detailed views purposes outcomes searches: (1) why sought from MEDLINE; (2) impact MEDLINE-derived on medical decision-making; (3) ultimate outcome having having) desired situations prompting search. Results revealed that used satisfy diversity needs concerning patient care, progress biomedical research, quality education received health professionals training, safety effectiveness care institutions, operation third-party reimbursement, legal decisions, knowledge public.