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Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research

Date Submitted: Aug 6, 2020
Date Accepted: Apr 13, 2021

The final, peer-reviewed published version of this preprint can be found here:

Usability Analysis of a Health Sciences Digital Library by Medical Residents: Cross-sectional Survey

Jamal A, Tharkar S, Alenazi H, Julaidan BS, Al Hindawi DA, AlAkeel NS, AlNuhayer OM, AlDubaikhi RH

Usability Analysis of a Health Sciences Digital Library by Medical Residents: Cross-sectional Survey

JMIR Form Res 2021;5(6):e23293

DOI: 10.2196/23293

PMID: 34184992

PMCID: 8277327

Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.

Usability Analysis of Health Sciences Digital Library by Medical Residents: A cross-sectional survey

  • Amr Jamal; 
  • Shabana Tharkar; 
  • Hanan Alenazi; 
  • Bedoor Saud Julaidan; 
  • Dania Ali Al Hindawi; 
  • Norah Suleman AlAkeel; 
  • Ola Mohammed AlNuhayer; 
  • Raneem Hamoud AlDubaikhi

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

E-library usability depends on a myriad of factors ranging from the end-users ability to website complexity. Although e-libraries provide instant access to online content facilitating an efficient reference platform, its usability is highly varied.

Objective:

Objective:

The purpose of this research is to measure the users perspectives and usability of the digital library of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) among medical trainee residents in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

Methods:

A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted using a validated System Usability Scale on a containing 5 positive and negative items each on the usability of the digital library. The SUS standard cut-off score of 68 was considered for interpretation.

Results:

Results:

The overall SUS score was 52.9 ±15.2, indicating low usability. Two positive items related to library functions and confidence obtained lower scores (Mode = 3). While two negative items concerning training and support obtained high scores (Mode = 4). Higher SUS scores were associated with training (P =0.02). Men discerned digital library to be more complex (P=0.04) and board-certified physicians perceived a greater need for training on digital library use (P =0.05).

Conclusions:

Conclusions:

The findings demonstrate the low usability of the extensive facilities offered by SCFHS e-library. There is a need for training to enhance the accessibility and usability of the library. In addition, it is pivotal to improve awareness of the availability of SCFHS e-library and popularize the available databases.


 Citation

Please cite as:

Jamal A, Tharkar S, Alenazi H, Julaidan BS, Al Hindawi DA, AlAkeel NS, AlNuhayer OM, AlDubaikhi RH

Usability Analysis of a Health Sciences Digital Library by Medical Residents: Cross-sectional Survey

JMIR Form Res 2021;5(6):e23293

DOI: 10.2196/23293

PMID: 34184992

PMCID: 8277327

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