JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digitalization, and the increasing availability of online information, have changed the way in which information is searched and retrieved by the public, and by health professionals. Whilst systematic evidence exists on the information needs of Specialists, and in particular Family Physicians (FPs), there have been no recent systematic reviews to specifically address the needs of FPs and any barriers that may exist to accessing health information online. FPs are often confronted with a variety of medical information needs in their everyday practice. The technical developments of the last two decades have significantly changed the methods of information retrieval available.

Objective:

As such, this review aims to give an up to date perspective on the needs of FPs in searching, retrieving and utilizing online information.

Methods:

This systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies searched a multitude of databases spanning the years 2000 to 2020 (search date January 2020). Studies which analyzed the online information needs of FPs, any barriers to the accessibility of information, and their information-seeking behaviors were included. Two researchers independently scrutinized titles and abstracts, analyzing full-text articles for their eligibility, the studies therein, and the data obtained from them. Due to their heterogeneity, data from quantitative studies were not synthesized into meta-analyses, but triangulated with qualitative findings by analyzing how the identified main categories were substantiated.

Results:

The initial search yielded 4541 studies for initial title and abstract screening. Of the 144 studies that were found to be eligible for full-text screening, a total of 41 were finally included. Twenty themes were developed and summarized into five main categories. Individual Needs of FPs prior to the search; Accessibility including factors that would facilitate or hinder information retrieval; Quality of the information to hand; Utilization of the information available and Implications for everyday practice.

Conclusions:

This review suggests that the searching, accessing, and use of online information, as well as any pre-existing needs and barriers, should not be perceived as separate entities, but rather be regarded as a sequential process. Apart from accessing information and evaluating its quality, FPs expressed concerns regarding the applicability of this information to their everyday practice, and its subsequent relevance to patient care. Future online information resources should cater to the needs of the Primary Care setting, and seek to address the way in which such resources may be adapted to these specific requirements.