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Effectiveness and efficiency of a literature search strategy to answer questions on the etiology of occupational diseases: a controlled trial

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Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of a search strategy to find evidence-based answers to questions related to the possible occupational etiology of diseases.

Methods

A controlled trial of 70 occupational health physicians and 55 insurance physicians who were asked to answer one out of four ‘occupational disease case-vignettes’ following the steps of evidence-based medicine (EBM). The intervention group were given the search strategy as a tool.

Results

The intervention group scored significantly better than the control group in answering the main question of the case-vignette correctly (57% versus 37%) using more adequate search terms. The intervention group scored significantly better regarding satisfaction with the applied search strategy (28% very satisfied versus 8%). We found no differences in time spent in solving the case or in the intention of future practice of EBM.

Conclusions

The introduction and application of specific search strategies can have a positive effect on the effectiveness of searching literature. Future initiatives for developing and testing specific search strategies in the field of occupational health should be encouraged.

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Correspondence to Frederieke Schaafsma.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Figure 2

Fig. 2
figure 2

Flowchart of search strategies for occupational origins of diseases in Medline (PubMed)

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Schaafsma, F., Hulshof, C., de Boer, A. et al. Effectiveness and efficiency of a literature search strategy to answer questions on the etiology of occupational diseases: a controlled trial. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 80, 239–247 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-006-0126-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-006-0126-3

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