Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Background:
Ophthalmologists – Eye Doctors working in academic eye hospitals confront various barriers in their information use. The purpose of this study is to investigate the barriers of ophthalmologists in their information use.
Methodology:
The study design is cross sectional and convenience sampling method is adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS 18 PASW Statistical package was used for statistical analysis. Frequencies, percentages, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Factor Analysis, Wilcoxon signed rank test were used in the study.
Findings:
Around 633 ophthalmologists working in 47 academic eye hospitals from 16 states of India were included in the study. The study results revealed that majority of the ophthalmologists encountered the barrier "Information scattered in too many sources". The statistical test results showed up that there exist a significant difference between barriers in using information among ophthalmologists and institution type. The two major factors of barriers in using information among ophthalmologists were for lack of motivation and support and brunt of technology. The barriers due to brunt of technology were significantly higher than the lack of motivation and support.
Conclusion:
The barriers faced by ophthalmologists can be jointly handled by the ophthalmic libraries, ophthalmic institutions, information service providers and ophthalmic community.