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BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Physicians reading and writing practices: a cross-sectional study from Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Authors: Muhammad Farhan Khaliq, Muhammad Muslim Noorani, Uzair Ahmed Siddiqui, Maheen Anwar

Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Background

To determine the behavior of physicians regarding medical literature reading and participation in research activities at one of the largest teaching hospitals in Pakistan.

Method

This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing the house officers, residents and fellows of six major specialties (Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychology, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Anesthesia) in Civil Hospital, Karachi between August and December, 2011. The questionnaire elicited responses regarding the reading habits of physicians, preferred sources of information, their participation in research activities (publication & supervision) and views regarding journal club. SPSS 17.0 was used for data entry and analysis.

Result

A total of 259 completely filled questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 85.19%. Mean age of the participants was 29.67 ± 7.65 years. Books were selected by 71.4% doctors as their preferred source of information, regardless of their clinical specialties. (p < 0.05). E-journals were preferred by 75.7% of the doctors over printed journals. This holds true for doctors from all specialties (p < 0.05). The ease of searching for relevant articles was the major contributor (50.5%) in preference of e-journals. 137 (52.9%) doctors read 5 or less articles per week. 30 (11.6%) doctors have subscription of journals (printed or electronic). At least one research paper has been published by 151 (58.3%) of the physicians interviewed. Most common reason for not participating in research activities was busy schedule (56.4%). Almost half (49.4%) doctors reported lack of journal club in their units. Of these, majority (88.35%) wanted a journal club in their respective units.

Conclusion

Urgent intervention is required to promote healthcare literature reading and writing practice in our physicians. Easy access to workplace computers with internet and subscription of paid journals will facilitate physicians. Lack of supervisors and busy schedule were reported to be important contributors for not participating in research. Addressing these issues will encourage doctors to participate more in research activities.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6947/12/76/prepub

Title: Physicians reading and writing practices: a cross-sectional study from Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Farhan Khaliq
Muhammad Muslim Noorani
Uzair Ahmed Siddiqui
Maheen Anwar
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6947-12-76

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Physicians reading and writing practices: a cross-sectional study from Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background

Method

Result

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Result

Conclusion

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