Use of information resources by health professionals: a review of the literature

Abstract

The use of information resources by health professionals and their information seeking behavior are reviewed from a wide range of existing literature. The influence of several variables such as form of practice, engagement in research and educational programs, professional age, locus of practice, accessibility, specialty and departmental affiliation on the use of sources as identified by various studies are highlighted. Some of the serious problems that limit the free flow of health information in general, with special reference to those encountered in the developing world; the problems of modern medical education and how these relate to information dynamics in the sciences are highlighted. Generalizable statements with short explanatory notes are made about the use of information resources by health professionals, based on the review.