AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Access to health information is important for the well-being of people living in the community after spinal cord injury (SCI). In order to design appropriate information interventions, it is critical first to understand the information sources typically used. The goal of this study therefore is to identify the information-seeking practices of this group. SAMPLE AND METHODS: A sample of 207 individuals living in the community following traumatic spinal cord injury were surveyed regarding their ongoing information needs and practices for seeking information. RESULTS: The results reveal that respondents have unmet information needs, despite the fact that they typically access information through a variety of channels. SCI specialists are the most commonly used source, although they are viewed as relatively inaccessible. By contrast, the Internet (used by a relatively high proportion of respondents) is viewed as comparatively accessible, although there are some concerns about the quality of information found there. CONCLUSIONS: These survey results point to the need for an information source that is accessible and delivers high quality information. Although respondents use a variety of information sources, none meets this ideal profile. Information professionals should consider this gap in the design of information interventions.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Access to health information is important for the well-being of people living in the community after spinal cord injury (SCI). In order to design appropriate information interventions, it is critical first to understand the information sources typically used. The goal of this study therefore is to identify the information-seeking practices of this group. SAMPLE AND METHODS: A sample of 207 individuals living in the community following traumatic spinal cord injury were surveyed regarding their ongoing information needs and practices for seeking information. RESULTS: The results reveal that respondents have unmet information needs, despite the fact that they typically access information through a variety of channels. SCI specialists are the most commonly used source, although they are viewed as relatively inaccessible. By contrast, the Internet (used by a relatively high proportion of respondents) is viewed as comparatively accessible, although there are some concerns about the quality of information found there. CONCLUSIONS: These survey results point to the need for an information source that is accessible and delivers high quality information. Although respondents use a variety of information sources, none meets this ideal profile. Information professionals should consider this gap in the design of information interventions.
Authors: Becky Matter; Melanie Feinberg; Katherine Schomer; Mark Harniss; Pat Brown; Kurt Johnson Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2009 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: Clara Farrehi; Carlotta Pazzi; Maclain Capron; Kim Anderson; Bonnie Richardson; Michael Stillman Journal: Spinal Cord Ser Cases Date: 2020-11-23
Authors: Jennifer N Hill; Bridget M Smith; Frances M Weaver; Kim M Nazi; Florian P Thomas; Barry Goldstein; Timothy P Hogan Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2017-03-21 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: John D Shepherd; Karla M Badger-Brown; Matthew S Legassic; Saagar Walia; Dalton L Wolfe Journal: J Spinal Cord Med Date: 2012-09 Impact factor: 1.985
Authors: Sara M Locatelli; Bella Etingen; Allen Heinemann; Holly DeMark Neumann; Ana Miskovic; David Chen; Sherri L LaVela Journal: Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil Date: 2016