Accessibility and use of web‐based electronic resources by physicians in a psychiatric institution in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the accessibility and use of web‐based electronic databases on the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) portal by physicians in the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro – a psychiatry health institution in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Collection of data was through the use of a three‐part questionnaire developed by the researcher. A total of 28 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the respondents out of which 20, representing 67 per cent response rate, were completed, returned and used for the study. Findings The result revealed that physicians working in a psychiatry health institution have access to and use the HINARI database. The study further revealed that the majority (60 per cent) of the physicians access the portal once every two weeks from the internet cafés in and around the institution. PubMed is the most widely used database in the HINARI portal. Information retrieved is used mostly for clinical decision making. However, respondents are faced with inadequate time for research because of their busy schedule, poor internet access and inadequate information retrieval skills. Practical implications The study recommends the development of a library portal/gateway and the setting up of links between the resources to which they subscribe as well as training and retraining of physicians in the use of the HINARI portal so as to justify the huge amount of effort and money spent by the World Health Organization (WHO) to make the resources freely available to scientists in developing countries. Originality/value This study has collection development and practical implications for the providers of the databases, such as WHO through the various publishers, as well as librarians in the various institutions. The study recommends training or retraining of physicians in the use of the HINARI portal as well as improvement in information technology and communication infrastructure and extension of internet services to offices of physicians at the hospital.