Harvey, Barbara C

Kierkus, Christopher A

Long, Valeria

Williams, Betsy

English

Scholarworks@GVSU

Grand Valley State UniversityScholarWorks@GVSUPresentations University Libraries5-31-2017Are We Dreaming or Doing? How Health ScienceGraduates Access Information in their ProfessionalLivesValeria LongGrand Valley State University, longv@gvsu.eduBetsy WilliamsGrand Valley State University, williab2@gvsu.eduBarbara C. HarveyGrand Valley State University, harveyb@gvsu.eduChristopher A. KierkusGrand Valley State University, kierkusc@gvsu.eduFollow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/library_presentationsPart of the Library and Information Science CommonsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Libraries at ScholarWorks@GVSU. It has been accepted for inclusion inPresentations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@GVSU. For more information, please contact scholarworks@gvsu.edu.Recommended CitationLong, Valeria; Williams, Betsy; Harvey, Barbara C.; and Kierkus, Christopher A., "Are We Dreaming or Doing? How Health ScienceGraduates Access Information in their Professional Lives" (2017). Presentations. 62.http://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/library_presentations/62Why? Who?We wanted to know if our health sciences and nursing graduates’ experiences at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) prepared them to find, evaluate, and apply information to their clinical practice and patient education needs. While we were most interested in the library’s impact, we wanted to know where they learned search skills and which resources they use most frequently as health care professionals.  How?92%  of all survey respondents indicated their experiences at GVSU had prepared them for finding information in their professional practice.  stated that theyfelt confidentapplying information  to their practice. How health science graduates access information in their professional lives Valeria Long MLIS, Betsy Williams MLIS*, Barbara Harvey MA in LIS, Grand Valley State University Libraries Christopher Kierkus PhD, professor of Criminal Justice, Grand Valley State University athletic training (BS) nursing (BSN, MSN, and DNP) physical therapy (DPT) physician assistant studies (MPAS) Alumni of the following programs were surveyed:stated they felt confident evaluating information.89%In consultation with our university’s statistical consulting center, we created an anonymous survey using SurveyMonkey®. The survey contained quantitative, qualitative, and open ended questions. The project was reviewed by GVSU's Human Research Review Committee and qualified for exempt status. In November 2016, emails were sent to 3529 alumni of several GVSU health sciences and nursing programs. The first question asked respondents to indicate if they were currently working in a health care related field. Only those responding affirmatively could continue the survey. Reminders to take the survey were sent following Thanksgiving 2016. The survey closed in early December 2016, and 451 valid responses were received.  Survey responses are still undergoing analysis. Preliminary results from quantitative data show that whilelibrary instruction, guides, and consultation are significant, most graduates credit their instructors as the most important source of learning research skills. (survey participants    could choose   multiple  responses) 14% 20% 22% 37% 6%87%Are we dreaming or doing? 38% formal  library instruction26% subject guides11% librarians70% professors42% classmatesThe reported influence of formal library instruction varied greatly by discipline, ranging from 29% (athletic training) to 68% (nursing doctorate). The reported influence of library guides ranged from 12% (physical therapy masters and physician assistant studies) to 33% (nursing doctorate). The reported influence of meeting with librarians ranged from 3% (physical therapy doctorate) to 28% (nursing doctorate).  From whom did you learn      information research skills?       What advice would you give to students in your field regarding finding and using information while in school?"Pay attention ... this is one of the skills that will allow you to become a lifelong learner and continue to advance your knowledge and practice after graduation."                                "Learn how to evaluate your sources.                             The best ways to find information will           probably change over time as new technologies   become available, but it will always be important to understand what you're reading and how well it applies to your situation.""The librarians are extremely helpful ...professors can also help, but they usuallyknow less than the librarians when itcomes to finding information ...""As a practicing RN I found evidence     based practice to be the best way               to improve healthcare. Learning how and where to find accurate research articles about it was a veryhelpful thing that I learned from GVSU."  "“GVSU taught me how to search for research     that is both current and relevant to clinical      practice. I am confident in my ability       to differentiate between reliable sources    and non-scholarly authors. As a result, I am able to apply the concepts that I havelearned through research to clinical practice and overall improve patient outcomes.”What is one thing you learned at GVSU that has helped you find and use information pertaining to your professional practice?"“How to filter through research articles to find relevant information, and a systematic approach to learning to apply that knowledge to appropriate patients.”"*corresponding author: williab2@gvsu.eduMost frequently used resourcesPubMed Other*UpToDateCINAHLDiscipline-specific websites**Primary reasonsfor selecting these resources were currency, ease of use, and accuracy.What is one thing you wish you had learned at GVSU that would have helped you find and use information?“I wish there had been more introduction of different resources available. I feel like I continually utilize the same sources of information because I don't know how to use others.”Information gleaned from this study will help inform instruction and collection development, and launch discussion on how librarians can promote concepts of information seeking that relate to professional information needs.What’s next?“Learn how to effectively use and find free (non-employer or university based) literature.” "More library instruction during class sessions." “How to be better at a narrowed search ..." *Other includes, but is not limited to, live seminars, Mayo Clinic, the Center for Disease Control, hospital policies and procedures. **Discipline-specific websites include, but is not limited to, association websites such as the American Physical Therapy Association, American Alliance of Critical Care Nurses, American Heart Association. 

Are We Dreaming or Doing? How Health Science Graduates Access Information in their Professional Lives

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Are We Dreaming or Doing? How Health Science Graduates Access Information in their Professional Lives

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