204795 Information-seeking behaviors of public health practitioners

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Robert M. Shapiro II, BA , Center for Public Health Systems and Services Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Alex F. Howard, BS , Center for Public Health Systems and Services Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Angela T. Dearinger, MD MPH , Center for Public Health Systems and Services Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Zach G. Young, BA , Chandler Medical Center Library, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Rick A. Brewer, MLS , Chandler Medical Center Library, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Richard Ingram, DrPH , College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Shontreal Cooper, BS , Center for Public Health Systems and Services Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Research Objective:This study will examine the information seeking behaviors of public health practitioners in the Kentucky Public Health Research Network (KPHReN). It is the intent of this study to investigate the research-based decision-making processes of public health practitioners.

Study Design:Electronic surveys will be distributed to both directors and full time equivalents (FTEs) at health departments affiliated with KPHReN. An exclusionary question is included to filter out those individuals who are not tasked with making evidenced-based public health decisions such as program design and quality improvement.

Population Studied:Directors of public health departments affiliated with KPHReN and all FTEs.

Principal Findings:At time of submission, we do not have any conclusive findings. However, based on previous information-seeking literature, we anticipate finding that there is a disconnect between where the best evidence-based information is published and where public health practitioners seek information.

Implications for Policy, Delivery or Practice:This study has immediate implications in public health informatics, primarily the ability for policy makers, practitioners and researchers to communicate in an efficient and effective manner. The time for public health to move toward an evidence-based decision making process is long overdue. This study will serve as an impetus in understanding the common ground where policy makers, researchers, and most importantly, practitioners converge to advance the public's health through communication channels such as academic journals, grey literature, websites, and white papers.

Learning Objectives:
Assess the information-seeking behaviors of public health practitioners in the Kentucky Public Health Research Network (KPHReN). Identify the research-based decision-making processes of public health practitioners.

Keywords: Practice-Based Research, Evidence Based Practice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Currently I am serving as a research assistant for the Kentucky Public Health Practice-Based Research Network, K-PHReN, and it is through this network that this particular study will be conducted. K-PHReN serves as a network of professionals within the larger public health system and seeks to develop and answer research questions that are relevant to the practice of public health on a multitude of levels. Information seeking behaviors is an area in public health where evidence is lacking, and thus serves as a prime question to be investigated by likes of a practice based research network such as K-PHReN. As a research assistant with K-PHReN I have been involved in previous presentations and dialogue related to ongoing and anticipated research relevant to the network.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Leadership Development Posters
See more of: Health Administration