Barriers to Effective Use of Computer-Based Resources and Systems in The Queen Elizabeth Hospital: Results of a Survey

ABSTRACT

Librarians often survey their clients to determine which electronic resources need to be purchased and whether clients need training on the use of specific resources. Librarians at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) in Adelaide, South Australia, evaluate their training sessions but were interested in following up on how and where clients use electronic resources once they are out of the library door. This survey looks at the “other” reasons clients might not use library and other electronic resources in a hospital environment. With the current strong focus on evidence-based health care and the patient journey, clinical staff need to be able to comfortably use all the necessary electronic resources available to them in a timely and suitable manner, yet frequently the environment in which they function is not conducive to best practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Australia
• computer systems
• computer-based resources
• electronic resources
• evidence-based practice
• hospital libraries
• information technology
• patient journey
• questionnaires
• surveys
• workspace

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sue Rockliff

Sue Rockliff ([email protected]) is Senior Librarian, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 28 Woodville Road, Woodville, South Australia 5011.