Defining information need in health - assimilating complex theories derived from information science

Ormandy, P

Abstract

Key policy drivers worldwide include optimising the patient’s role
in managing their care; focusing services around patient needs and preferences to
facilitate choice; and providing the information to help them make those choices.
The term information need penetrates many policy documents, espoused as the
foundation from which to develop patient-centred or patient led services. Yet
there is no clear definition as to what the term means or how patient information
needs inform and shape information provision and patient care.
Theoretical Synthesis: The assimilation of complex theories originating from
information science has much to offer patient information need within the context
of health. This paper extends and applies knowledge of information behaviour
alongside research measuring information need in health, exposing a working
definition for patient information need. Reiterating the importance of considering
the patient’s goals and information need in conjunction with understanding the
context/situation in which they transpire. Health research often focuses on the
content of information patients prefer not why they need information. A patient
information need is defined as ‘recognition that their knowledge is inadequate to
satisfy a goal, within the context/situation that they find themselves at a specific
point in the time’. This typifies the key concepts of national/international health
policy, the centrality and importance of the patient.
Conclusion: The definition of patient information need provides a clear
conceptual framework to guide healthcare practitioners on why and what to
consider when meeting the information needs of patients in practice. This creates a
solid foundation from which to inform future research.

Citation

Ormandy, P. (2011). Defining information need in health - assimilating complex theories derived from information science. Health Expectations, 14(1), 92-104. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-7625.2010.00598.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2011
• Deposit Date: May 9, 2011
• Journal: Health Expectations
• Print ISSN: 1369-6513
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 92-104
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-7625.2010.00598.x
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-7625.2010.00598.x