Citation

Fountain JS, Reith DM, Holt A. Int. J. Med. Inform. 2014; 83(2): 106-112.

Affiliation

Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Information Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Electronic address: john.fountain@otago.ac.nz.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2013.10.012

PMID

24290424

Abstract

PURPOSE: To identify poisons information resources most commonly utilized by Australasian Emergency Department staff, and examine attitudes regarding the benefits and user experience of the electronic products used. METHODS: A survey tool was mailed to six Emergency Departments each in New Zealand and Australia to be answered by medical and nursing staff. RESULTS: Eighty six (71.7%) responses were received from the 120 survey forms sent: 70 (81%) responders were medical staff, the remainder nursing. Electronic resources were the most accessed poisons information resource in New Zealand; Australians preferring discussion with a colleague; Poisons Information Centers were the least utilized resource in both countries. With regard to electronic resources, further differences were recognized between countries in: ease of access, ease of use, quality of information and quantity of information, with New Zealand better in all four themes. CONCLUSIONS: New Zealand ED staff favored electronic poisons information resources while Australians preferred discussion with a colleague. That Poisons Information Centers were the least utilized resource was surprising.

Language: en