scholarly journals Library Users Expect Link Resolvers to Provide Full Text While Librarians Expect Accurate Results

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Wendy Furlan

A review of: Wakimoto, Jina Choi, David S. Walker, and Katherine S. Dabbour. "The Myths and Realities of SFX in Academic Libraries." The Journal of Academic Librarianship 32.2 (Mar. 2006): 127-36. Objective – To determine how successful the link resolver, SFX, is in meeting the expectations of library users and librarians. Design – Analysis of an online user survey, library staff focus groups, retrospective analysis of system statistics, and test searches. Setting – Two California State University campus libraries in the United States: Northbridge, with over 31,000 students on campus, and San Marcos, with over 7,300 students on campus. Subjects – A total of 453 online survey responses were submitted from library users, 421 from Northbridge and 32 from San Marcos. Twenty librarians took part in the focus groups conducted with library staff consisting of 14 of the 23 librarians from Northbridge (2 from technical services and 12 from public services), and 6 of the 10 San Marcos librarians (3 from technical services and 3 from public services). No further information was provided on the characteristics of the subjects. Methods – An online survey was offered to users of the two campus libraries for a two-week period in May 2004. The survey consisted of 8 questions, 7 fixed response and 1 free text. Survey distribution was enabled via a different mechanism at each campus. The Northbridge library offered the survey to users via a pop-up window each time the SFX service was clicked on, while the San Marcos library presented the survey as a link from the library’s home page. Survey responses from both campuses were combined and analysed together. Focus groups were conducted with librarians from each campus library on April 20th, 21st, and 29th, 2004. Librarians attended focus groups only with others from their own campus. Statistics were gathered from each campus’ local SFX system for the 3-month period from September 14, 2004, to December 14, 2004. Statistics from each campus were combined for analysis. The authors also conducted 224 test searches over the 3-month period from July to September, 2004. Main results – Analysis of the surveys revealed that 80% of users expected to see a full-text article online when they clicked on the SFX button; 20% expected to rarely or never see one. Responses also gave an almost equal split when users were asked if the SFX service met their expectations with 49.5% saying it did and 50.5% saying it did not. The free text survey question asking for comments on the user’s overall opinion of SFX received 174 responses, 26% of which were positive, 40% negative, and 34% mixed. The primary theme expressed in 49% of all comments received was disappointment in not gaining full-text access. Thirty-three percent of other comments were classed as having a general theme, while the remaining 19% of comments regarding the SFX service were categorised with themes of complexity, technical problems, efficiency, or confusion. Results from the librarian focus groups differed between the two campuses. Northbridge librarians had 50% to 85% confidence in the accuracy of SFX and were generally impressed with the service. San Marcos librarians had 60% to 100% confidence that SFX would work, however it was also discovered that several participants had suspicions regarding the accuracy of the system. The SFX usage statistics obtained covered 188,944 individual uses of SFX at both campuses. Statistics showed that 48% of these uses resulted in the user clicking on an option provided, either linking to full-text, catalogue look-up, or inter-library loan form access. Of total occurrences, 39.7% had a link to full-text displayed; this link was accessed 65.2% of the time. Forty-seven percent of SFX uses provided a catalogue link (23.8% of which were accessed) and 37.9% of uses provided an inter-library loan link (8.4% of which were accessed). The test searches revealed anomalies to take into account when analysing the SFX usage statistics, including that about 15% of SFX requests display multiple full-text links. Of the test searches conducted, 22.2% of full-text availability results ended in either technical or accuracy errors and 8.8% of catalogue look-ups produced errors. In those cases where errors did not result there were also significant percentages of instances where the library did not have access to the desired resource: 35.3% of searches correctly indicated that no full text was available, and 57.6% correctly linked to the catalogue to show that the periodical was not held locally. While these are correctly generated system results they are still likely to be seen as unfavourable outcomes by users. Conclusion – The results of the study indicated that both library users’ and librarians’ expectations of SFX were slightly higher than their actual experiences. Librarians’ primary concerns related to the need for more accurate results while library users wanted more full text. It was noted that many complaints associated with SFX were likely to actually be problems with systems that SFX links into rather than the software itself. Although imperfect, SFX, and link resolvers in general, are noted to be a vast improvement on the many separate searches required in the past to locate full text and undoubtedly user expectations and demand for 100% seamless accessibility will grow.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rima Chakrabarti ◽  
Katie Wardle ◽  
Tor Wright ◽  
Taylor Bennie ◽  
Faye Gishen

Abstract Background Feedback received from medical students at University College London Medical School (UCLMS) suggested a lack of clarity regarding the contents and subsequent assessment of the undergraduate curriculum. In order to address these issues, a specialist team was established with the aim of designing and implementing a Curriculum Map (CM), which have been recognised in their ability to provide a centralised, visual representation of the curriculum. While multiple perspectives from educators to stakeholders can be considered here, the need for the CM to remain student centred was identified as key at UCLMS. The aim of this study was therefore to understand the requirements of the CM prior to production from the perspective of the medical students. Methods A mixed-methods sequential study was conducted. The first stage involved gathering quantitative data using a primary online survey. This used 15 questions, rated by Likert scales and focussed around three domains: depiction of content, functionality and students’ likely engagement with a CM. There was a free-text question for additional comments. The second stage consisted of multiple student focus groups representing different years of the programme, conducted by trained facilitators following a predetermined scheme. Reflective Thematic Analysis (RTA) was used to synthesise the qualitative data, which was read independently by two researchers. All students at UCLMS were invited to participate in the study. Results There were 409 survey responses. 92% of students said they were ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to use a CM, with their key intended use being to monitor their learning progress and ensure preparedness for assessments. Five key themes emerged from the focus groups, namely that students wanted a CM to be: comprehensive; simple and intuitive; able to link content throughout the course; aligned with assessment; and useful to monitor students’ progress. Conclusions Through this study, valuable insight was gained on students’ ideal preferences for the CM. Understanding this was important in order to ensure that its co-design remained student-centred prior to its design and launch. This study also highlighted the need to set realistic expectations for students on the role of a CM in preparing them for assessments, and ultimately professional practice.


2017 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob L. Nash, MSLIS, AHIP ◽  
Karen R. McElfresh, MSLS, AHIP

Objective: The research describes an extensible method of evaluating and cancelling electronic journals during a budget shortfall and evaluates implications for interlibrary loan (ILL) and user satisfaction.Methods: We calculated cost per use for cancellable electronic journal subscriptions (n=533) from the 2013 calendar year and the first half of 2014, cancelling titles with cost per use greater than $20 and less than 100 yearly uses. For remaining titles, we issued an online survey asking respondents to rank the importance of journals to their work. Finally, we gathered ILL requests and COUNTER JR2 turnaway reports for calendar year 2015.Results: Three hundred fifty-four respondents completed the survey. Because of the level of heterogeneity of titles in the survey as well as respondents’ backgrounds, most titles were reported to be never used. We developed criteria based on average response across journals to determine which to cancel. Based on this methodology, we cancelled eight journals. Examination of ILL data revealed that none of the cancelled titles were requested with any frequency. Free-text responses indicated, however, that many value free ILL as a suitable substitute for immediate full-text access to biomedical journal literature.Conclusions: Soliciting user feedback through an electronic survey can assist collections librarians to make electronic journal cancellation decisions during slim budgetary years. This methodology can be adapted and improved upon at other health sciences libraries.


Dermatology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 235 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uyen Koh ◽  
Caitlin Horsham ◽  
H. Peter Soyer ◽  
Lois J. Loescher ◽  
Nicole Gillespie ◽  
...  

Background: Mobile teledermoscopy may facilitate skin self-examinations (SSEs) and further improve monitoring and detection of melanoma. Objective: To assess consumer acceptability and expectations of a mobile health app used to: (i) instruct SSE and (ii) conduct consumer-performed mobile teledermoscopy. Methods: People aged 18 years and above were invited to participate in either (i) an online survey or (ii) focus group in Brisbane, Australia. Participants were asked about their SSE practices, mobile teledermoscopy acceptance, and app design and functionality. The online survey responses and focus group discussions were coded by two researchers who conducted thematic analysis. Results: Four focus groups were held with a total of 28 participants; 88 participants completed the online survey. The mean ages of participants in the focus group and online survey were 46 and 38 years, respectively. There were more males in the focus groups (61%, 17/28) compared to the online survey (19%, 17/88). Regular SSEs were conducted by 56 (64%) of the online survey participants. Barriers to SSE were forgetfulness (44%), low self-perceived risk of melanoma (25%) and low confidence in conducting SSEs (25%). The large majority of online survey participants (95%) would consider sending photos of their skin lesions to a medical practitioner via an app. Focus group participants reported that they would accept using mobile teledermoscopy; however, they would prefer to use it to monitor lesions between face-to-face consultations. Conclusions: Overall, participants had positive views on using mobile teledermoscopy to send images of skin lesions to a dermatologist or other medical practitioner.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J Biggs ◽  
Helen L McLachlan ◽  
Touran Shafiei ◽  
Rhonda Small ◽  
Della A Forster

SummaryPerinatal mental health is an important public health issue, and peer support is a potentially important strategy for emotional well-being in the perinatal period. PANDA Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia provides support to individuals impacted by perinatal mental health issues via the National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline. Callers receive peer support from volunteers and counselling from paid professional staff. The views and experiences of PANDA peer support volunteers have not previously been studied. We conducted two focus groups and an online survey to explore the experiences of women providing volunteer peer support on the Helpline. Data collection took place in October and November 2013. Two social theories were used in framing and addressing the study aims and in interpreting our findings: the Empathy–Altruism Hypothesis, and the Helper Therapy Principle. All PANDA volunteers were invited to participate (n = 40). Eight volunteers attended a focus group, and 11 survey responses were received. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. All survey respondents ‘strongly agreed’ that they felt positive about being part of PANDA. Thematic analysis of data from focus groups and open-ended survey responses identified the following themes: motivated to help others, supported to support callers, helping to make a difference and emotional impacts for volunteers. Respondents described a strong desire to support others experiencing emotional distress as a motivator to volunteer. Although perinatal peer support services are designed to benefit those who receive support, this study suggests volunteers may also experience personal benefits from the role.


Author(s):  
Helen Walls ◽  
Benjamin Hawkins ◽  
Anna Durrance-Bagale

Background: Industry involvement in alcohol policy is highly contentious. The Drink Free Days (DFD) campaign (2018- 2019) run by Public Health England (PHE), an executive agency of government, and Drinkaware, an industry-funded ‘alcohol education charity’ to encourage middle-aged drinkers to abstain from drinking on some days was criticised for perceived industry involvement. We examine the extent to which the DFD campaign was supported by local-authority Directors of Public Health (DPHs) in England – which have a statutory remit for promoting population health within their locality – and their reasons for this. Methods: Our mixed-methods approach included a stakeholder mapping, online survey, and semi-structured interviews. The stakeholder mapping provided the basis for sampling survey and interview respondents. In total, 25 respondents completed the survey, and we conducted 21 interviews with DPHs and their local authority (LA) representatives. We examined survey responses, and coded free-text survey and interview responses to identify key themes. Results: While some respondents supported the DFD campaign, others did not promote it, or actively opposed it, due mainly to concerns about conflicts of interest and the legitimacy of industry involvement in the campaign. These were considered to undermine PHE’s independence and deflect attention from more important, evidence-based policy interventions such as alcohol pricing while conferring vicarious credibility on Drinkaware. We also found low levels of knowledge about alcohol-related harm, the effectiveness of different policies to address these and the policy-influencing strategies used by the alcohol industry. Conclusion: The findings highlight the dangers of industry partnership and potential conflicts of interest for government agencies and the ineffectiveness of the campaigns they run at local and national levels. They demonstrate the need for caution in engaging with industry-associated bodies at all levels of government and are thus of potential relevance to studies of other health-harming industries and policy contexts.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 843-849
Author(s):  
Monica Saini ◽  
Sarah Belson ◽  
Carmen Lahiff-Jenkins ◽  
Peter Sandercock

AimAs part of a program of work to develop an educational strategy and implementation plan for the World Stroke Organization, we conducted a survey of World Stroke Organization members (health professionals, laypersons (Stroke Support Organizations)) to identify their potential educational needs.MethodsWe developed a questionnaire to identify priority educational needs in consultation with the World Stroke Organization Education Committee. The World Stroke Organization invited all individual members and associated Stroke Support Organizations to complete the questionnaire via a web-based survey. Survey responses were supplemented by questionnaires emailed directly to key persons in Stroke Support Organizations and information from semi-structured telephone interviews, where necessary. The questionnaire asked respondents to prioritize topics in diagnosis, management of acute stroke, stroke care services, stroke rehabilitation, and stroke prevention. Free-text responses were assessed with word cloud.ResultsThe online survey was completed by 264 respondents from 60 countries; 19.1% were from low- and middle-income countries, 59% were stroke specialist physicians, 28% allied health professionals or nurses, 9% Stroke Support Organizations, 4% general physicians. Fifteen Stroke Support Organizations from 11 countries responded to the emailed survey. Seven Stroke Support Organizations' members were interviewed by telephone; one was interviewed in-person. We highlight the two highest priority topics in each of the five questionnaire domains.ConclusionThe 10 priority topics were all applicable in a low- or middle-income setting: setting up and delivering stroke diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention services, and emphasized the most basic elements of care. The survey participants have identified a number of key topics that merit inclusion in stroke teaching materials and courses, especially those aimed at practitioners working in resource-limited settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna C Robson ◽  
Michael Shepherd ◽  
Lorraine Harper ◽  
Mwidimi Ndosi ◽  
Keziah Austin ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives CTD and systemic vasculitis impact on health-related quality of life. Treatment can be complex, involving multiple medical specialities. The aim of this study was to investigate psychological and self-management support for patients in secondary care. Methods An online survey of health professionals in the UK, including 45 multiple-choice and free-text questions, was analysed descriptively. Free-text survey responses were analysed thematically to identify health professionals’ perceptions of best practice and unmet needs. Results The online survey included 120 health professionals (34% specialist nurses, 51% doctors and 12% allied health professionals), predominantly working in rheumatology (52.9%) and nephrology (21.5%) departments. Access to self-management programmes or clinics for people with CTD or vasculitis was available in 23% of rheumatology and 8% of nephrology departments. In response to ‘How well is your team providing self-management support to people with CTD or vasculitis?’, 38% of respondents reported ‘not very well’ or ‘not well at all’. Direct access to psychological support was available in 76.9% of nephrology and 32.8% of rheumatology departments. More than 80% of respondents would like additional training. Key themes from the qualitative data (free-text survey responses) included the importance of: dedicated psychological support and self-management programmes for people with CTD and vasculitis, a whole-team approach (specialist teams empowering people to manage their own care), staff training (e.g. brief psychological interventions) and signposting to resources, including patient charities. Conclusion People with CTD and vasculitis have complex needs, and improvements in self-management and psychological support are required in UK rheumatology and nephrology departments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-101
Author(s):  
Ronnie E. Baticulon ◽  
Michael C. Dewan ◽  
Nunthasiri Wittayanakorn ◽  
Philipp R. Aldana ◽  
Wirginia J. Maixner

OBJECTIVEThere are limited data on the pediatric neurosurgical workforce in Asia and Australasia. The training and clinical practice of pediatric neurosurgeons need to be characterized in order to identify gaps in knowledge and skills, thereby establishing a framework from which to elevate pediatric neurosurgical care in the region.METHODSAn online survey for pediatric neurosurgeons was created in REDCap (Research Electronic Database Capture), collecting demographic information and data on pediatric neurosurgical training and clinical practice. The link to answer the survey was sent to the mailing lists of the Asian Australasian Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery and the Japanese Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery, disseminated during the 2019 Asian Australasian Pediatric Neurosurgery Congress, and spread through social media. The survey was open to neurosurgeons who operated on patients ≤ 18 years old in Asian Australasian countries, whether or not they had completed fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery. Descriptive statistics were computed and tabulated. Data were stratified and compared based on surgeon training and World Bank income group.RESULTSA total of 155 valid survey responses were analyzed, representing neurosurgeons from 21 countries. A total of 107 (69%) considered themselves pediatric neurosurgeons, of whom 66 (43%) had completed pediatric neurosurgery training. Neurosurgeons in East Asia commonly undergo a fellowship in their home countries, whereas the rest train mostly in North America, Europe, and Australia. A majority (89%) had operating privileges, and subspecialty pediatric training usually lasted from 6 months to 2 years. On average, trained pediatric neurosurgeons perform a higher number of pediatric neurosurgical operations per year compared with nonpediatric-trained respondents (131 ± 129 vs 56 ± 64 [mean ± SD], p = 0.0001). The mean number of total neurosurgical operations per year is similar for both groups (184 ± 129 vs 178 ± 142 [mean ± SD], p = 0.80). Respondents expressed the desire to train further in pediatric epilepsy, spasticity, vascular malformations, craniofacial disorders, and brain tumors.CONCLUSIONSBoth pediatric and general neurosurgeons provide neurosurgical care to children in Asia and Australasia. There is a need to increase pediatric neurosurgery fellowship programs in the region. Skill sets and training needs in pediatric neurosurgery vary depending on the country’s economic status and between pediatric-trained and nonpediatric-trained surgeons.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711293
Author(s):  
Sarah Garnett ◽  
Hajira Dambha-Miller ◽  
Beth Stuart

BackgroundEmpathy is a key health care concept and refers to care that incorporates understanding of patient perspective’s, shared decision making, and consideration of the broader context in which illness is experience. Evidence suggests experiences of doctor empathy correlate with improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. It has also been linked to job satisfaction, and mental wellbeing for doctors. To date, there is a paucity of evidence on empathy levels among medical students. This is critical to understand given that it is a key point at which perceptions and practices of empathy in the longer term might be formed.AimTo quantify the level of empathy among UK undergraduate medical studentsMethodAn anonymised cross-sectional online survey was distributed to medical students across three universities. The previously validated Davis’s Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used to quantify empathy. The survey also collected information on age, sex, ethnicity, year of medical school training and included a free-text box for ‘any other comments’.ResultsData analysis is currently underway with high response rates. Mean empathy scores by age, sex, year of study and ethnic group are presented. A correlation analysis will examine associations between age and year of study, and mean empathy sores.ConclusionThese data will help to provide a better understanding of empathy levels to inform the provision of future empathy training and medical school curriculum design. Given previous evidence linking experiences of empathy to better health outcomes, the findings may also be significant to future patient care


2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110198
Author(s):  
Catriona R Mayland ◽  
Rosemary Hughes ◽  
Steven Lane ◽  
Tamsin McGlinchey ◽  
Warren Donnellan ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19 public health restrictions have affected end-of-life care experiences for dying patients and their families. Aim: To explore bereaved relatives’ experiences of quality of care and family support provided during the last days of life; to identify the impact of factors associated with perceived support. Design: A national, observational, open online survey was developed and disseminated via social media, public fora and professional networks (June–September 2020). Validated instruments and purposively designed questions assessed experiences. Analysis used descriptive statistics, logistic regression and thematic analysis of free-text responses. Participants: Individuals (⩾18 years) who had experienced the death of a relative/friend (all care settings) within the United Kingdome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Respondents ( n = 278, mean 53.4 years) tended to be female ( n = 216, 78%); over half were ‘son/daughter’ (174, 62.6%) to the deceased. Deceased individuals (mean 81.6 years) most frequently died in their ‘usual place of care’ ( n = 192, 69.3%). Analysis established five conceptual themes affecting individualised care: (1) public health restrictions compounding the distress of ‘not knowing’; (2) disparate views about support from doctors and nurses; (3) challenges in communication and level of preparedness for the death; (4) delivery of compassionate care; (5) emotional needs and potential impact on grief. Male respondents (OR 2.9, p = 0.03) and those able to visit (OR 2.2, p = 0.04) were independently associated with good perceptions of family support. Conclusion: Despite public health restrictions, individualised care can be enabled by proactive, informative communication; recognising dying in a timely manner and facilitating the ability to be present before death.


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