Octobre 2009
ABSTRACT
In general practice, the clinical problems encountered and the information needs are
substantial. Finding answers to clinical questions, and evidence-based information to support
clinical decisions remains often a difficult task for the general practitioner. The Internet is a relevant tool for information retrieval. The aim of our study was to identify the obstacles and facilitating factors to the use of the Internet for information retrieval purposes, in clinical practice. We conducted a literature review and a questionnaire survey among general practitioners, in France. The obstacles and facilitating factors can be related to the practitioner themself, to the practice conditions, to the technology, or to the information. These results could be helpful to improve the general practitioners' use of the Internet, and permit them to access more efficiently the information they need to support their clinical decisions.
KEYWORDS
Internet, Primary health care, General practitioner, Information retrieval, Databases,
Evidence-based medicine
In general practice, the clinical problems encountered and the information needs are
substantial. Finding answers to clinical questions, and evidence-based information to support
clinical decisions remains often a difficult task for the general practitioner. The Internet is a relevant tool for information retrieval. The aim of our study was to identify the obstacles and facilitating factors to the use of the Internet for information retrieval purposes, in clinical practice. We conducted a literature review and a questionnaire survey among general practitioners, in France. The obstacles and facilitating factors can be related to the practitioner themself, to the practice conditions, to the technology, or to the information. These results could be helpful to improve the general practitioners' use of the Internet, and permit them to access more efficiently the information they need to support their clinical decisions.
KEYWORDS
Internet, Primary health care, General practitioner, Information retrieval, Databases,
Evidence-based medicine