Information Use on Mobile Devices in Medicine Preliminary Survey Results Presenters: Jill Boruff (McGill), Dale Storie (Alberta) Lee-Anne Ufholz (Ottawa), Dagmara Chojecki (Alberta), Helen Robertson (Calgary)

Background Rapid adoption of smartphones and tablet computers (1-2). Explosion of content available for mobile devices, of varying quality (1). Challenges for libraries: availability of institutional licensing, authentication processes, new software platforms to support (3).

Research Questions  What resources, if any, are medical students, residents, and faculty using on their mobile devices when answering clinical questions?  In what situations do they use their mobile devices for finding information?  What intellectual and technical barriers prohibit medical students, residents and faculty from using their mobile devices to find information related to their studies and work?

Survey The survey was comprised of fourteen questions and was only administered online. Respondents from 4 out of 5 institutions are represented in this presentation.  1210 results up to April 14, 2012.

Do you have a mobile device? n=1210

Demographic n=1092

Device type n=1073

What do you do with your device? n=1069

What was the last resource you used? n=846

How long did it take you? n=714

How often do you use your device to access medical resources? n=1071

Aware that the library offers mobile resources All responses (n=992) 42.9%

Have used those resources All responses from those who replied yes to the previous question (n=419) 67.5%

Have found those resources useful All responses from those who replied yes to the previous question (n=278) 96.8%

Satisfaction with library resources  “They are very expensive apps, so getting access from the university library is incredibly helpful.”  “Free, with instant access to information in areas without computers or textbooks available.”

What support would you like the library to provide? N=931

Barriers to access N=923

Access Problems:  “Actually accessing the journal/article via the online library resources. Too many steps involved to go from PubMed search result to actually downloading the PDF to my iPad.”  “I keep meaning to get the code for pepid and did use it years ago but keep getting distracted and then when I want to use it I'm in the middle of clinic and can't stop to apply for the code.”

Formatting problems:  “Small print, sometimes hard to read. Sometimes the mobile version of a site doesn't have all the links or info that I want.”  Pages are not optimized for display on small smart phone screen (like this survey page by the way, ironically)

What they like  “Speed, convenience, portability”  “So fast, so easy. I can read articles or check notes during rounds or during a quick break.”  It's fast - can access information immediately without having to look for a computer.”  “speed of having an app already on phone and not having to use a website”

Communication  “Send out a newsletter with a list of available apps and how to install them (make installation easier!)”  “provide a list and info about where to find these resources”

Discussion  Speed of access is very important, in particular, authentication to licensed resources is a significant issue.  Users who are aware of the libraries’ licensed resources are generally happy with what is available.  Large demand for unmediated support and increased communication of available resources.

Next Steps  Further data analysis  Conduct follow-up interviews

Acknowledgements  University of Alberta Libraries’ Travel and Research Support Fund

Questions? References: 1. Franko OI, Tirrell TF. Smartphone App Use Among Medical Providers in ACGME Training Programs. J Med Syst [Internet] Nov 4 [cited 2011 Dec 14];Available from: 2. Jackson & Coker Research Associates. Apps, Doctors, and Digital Devices [Internet]. Jackson & Coker Industry Report. [cited 2011 Dec 20];Available from: resources/newsletters/monthlymain/des/Apps.aspxhttp:// resources/newsletters/monthlymain/des/Apps.aspx 3. Chatterley T, Chojecki D. Personal digital assistant usage among undergraduate medical students: exploring trends, barriers, and the advent of smartphones. J Med Libr Assoc Apr;98(2):157–60.