Ascension - WI

Information Literacy as a Prerequisite to Evidence-Based Practice

Information literacy has been described as a prerequisite to Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) (Shorten, Wallace & Crookes, 2001).  Information literacy means that a healthcare worker is able to recognize when information is needed to plan and provide care, and has the ability to to find, evaluate and effectively use the information (ALA).

Learning Objectives for The Information Literacy Guide

When you have reviewed these pages, you should be able to:

• Recognize that information sources appear in various formats, using a variety of search tools for access
   
• Understand that the scholarly journal literature is organized and accessed via specialized databases, mostly subscribed via institutional login
   
• Understand the basics of Boolean Logic and its relationship to developing a strategy for a literature search
   
• Understand the legal, ethical and social issues surrounding the use of information, and the need to cite source material in a standard format

• Recognize that information on the web is not organized in any one scheme or hierarchy
   
• Recognize both the value and pitfalls of web search engines
   
• Be able to compare the pros and cons of using web search engines vs. specialized “fee-based” bibliographic databases
   
• Recognize the need to critically evaluate information on the web based on audience, currency, author, sponsorship, and to discern fact from opinion
   
• Be capable of directing patients to web sites for high quality, evaluated information that is written for a lay audience

Learn about the Medical Literature

Ascension MOSTL Librarian, Aida Smith's 12-part series of 1-pagers: