Information seeking behaviour of physicians in Tanzania

Abstract

The study investigated the information seeking behavior of physicians at the public hospitals in Tanzania, with a specific focus on the largest national and referral hospital in Tanzania, namely Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). Questionnaires were personally distributed to all physicians (n=259) at MNH. The rate of response was 83 % (n=215). Based on the literature review, a Wilson (1996) model was used to systematically guide the assessment of the physicians’ information seeking behaviour at MNH. The study found that physicians needed specific medical information to enhance their knowledge on a daily basis, particularly they needed information on patient care, rather than information for research and further education purposes. In order to fulfill their information needs, physicians preferred to seek information from the formal sources, which included printed textbooks, electronic resources and printed journals. However, there was low use of internet for prescribing various drugs and diagnosis. Factors, such as poor ICT infrastructure, followed by lack of access to a computer, frequent power cuts and lack of time were the major barriers that inhibited physicians to seek information. It is thus important for the MNH management to promote information literacy (IL) issues; improve ICT infrastructure, establish a resource centre, and integrate use of internet and e-resources for patient care within clinicians working hours; and for the government to improve the supply of reliable electricity at MNH for effective medical practices.