Quantifying the information needs of doctors in the UK using clinical librarians

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this paper is to determine the frequency of doctors' clinical information needs using Clinical Librarians as data collectors, focusing on the UK acute sector. Additionally, the frequency of questions followed-up by Clinical Librarians was determined. The information needs of doctors have been investigated in other countries, particularly the USA, but not in the UK. Clinical Librarians have not been utilized as data collectors in any previous studies. METHOD: Clinical Librarians counted clinical questions posed by doctors in clinical settings. RESULTS: The Clinical Librarians counted 286 questions from 655 doctors discussing 1210 patient cases. This represents approximately one question for every four patients. CONCLUSION: Clinical Librarians can collect data to identify the number of information needs doctors have, but this was more successful when the Clinical Librarian was experienced and an established part of the clinical team.