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Supporting the library and information needs of UWE health and social care students on placement
Author(s) -
Plaice Caroline,
Lloyd Jon,
Shaw Pauline
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
health information and libraries journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.779
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1471-1842
pISSN - 1471-1834
DOI - 10.1111/hir.12171
Subject(s) - variety (cybernetics) , desk , medical education , preference , information needs , the internet , psychology , medicine , nursing , world wide web , computer science , artificial intelligence , economics , microeconomics , operating system
Objective The aim of this research was to explore the library and information needs of health and social care students whilst on placement. Methods Both desk and primary research were conducted and included an online questionnaire to students and semi‐structured interviews. Results The questionnaire was completed by 252 students from a variety of programmes, equivalent to a 10% response rate. The results indicate a wide range of factors impacting on the library and information experiences of students. Whilst differences in the availability of a physical library in hospital or community locations still exist, these are mitigated by technology and a preference for home study. A significant result is that 77% ( n = 193) of students on placement study at home, using a variety of Internet‐connected devices. This highlights a marked change in practice and underlines the need for mobile‐compliant e‐resources and accessible at‐a‐distance services. Conclusion As a result of this research, practical recommendations on how library support can be improved were developed including enhanced collaboration and learning with NHS colleagues, and knowledge sharing with other departments within the University who support our students.