The impact of medical libraries and literature on patient care in New Zealand.

This paper reports the results of a survey of 372 physicians working in regional hospitals in New Zealand. The survey was undertaken to determine if these physicians used their local medical library and what impact the literature obtained had on patient care. The 295 respondents (80.6% of the sample) expressed genuine interest in their library, with most visiting the library once a week or more. Patient care was ranked as the main reason for their visit; the second most important reason was keeping up-to-date on the latest research. Physicians indicated that information obtained at the library was used to confirm or change diagnoses, medications, or diagnostic tests, or to change advice given to patients. Information also was used to make decisions concerning early discharge, avoidance of hospital admission, or transfer of patients to another hospital. The survey also addressed the use of librarian services, sources of information used, and physicians' purchase of textbooks and journals. All comments by respondents were supportive of the library. The significance of libraries to clinical decision making, especially in small hospitals, is discussed.