Alison Brettle   

Biography

Alison is currently Research Fellow (Information) within the Institute for Health and Social Care Research University of Salford. Her research portfolio covers information skills training, the evaluation of library services and effective literature searching. She has worked on a range of systematic reviews, is joint module co-ordinator for the Evidence Based Practice Module on the MRes Health and Social Care and has recently become Associate Editor (Articles) for the new open access journal Evidence Based Library and Information Practice.

Abstract

Which is the most cost effective method of providing information for patient care?

This presentation describes the Effective Methods of Providing InfoRmation for patIent Care (EMPIRIC) project that examined the costs and effectiveness of information skills training and mediated searching, focussing on the cost element of the project. Questionnaire surveys were sent to library staff, dedicated library trainers and a random sample of 30 library users at 26 sites throughout the North West. Data was collected on the time spent searching and providing and receiving information skills training. Unit costs of health and social care were used to estimate and carry out calculations of the costs of providing these activities from the perspectives of those delivering the training and searches and those receiving it. Data was obtained from 38 staff providing training and 103 health professionals receiving training or searches. Costs have been calculated to provide costs for pre-arranged and ad hoc one to one training sessions, small group training sessions, mediated searches and health professionals undertaking their own literature searches. The complex issues in undertaking such cost analyses will be discussed and the conclusions drawn will be presented.

This page was last updated on: 6 June, 2006