Evolving medical knowledge: moving toward efficiently answering questions and keeping current.

Abstract

The information needs of clinicians are many and varied; however, these information needs remain largely unmet. This likely diminishes the quality of patient care. Although it is important that physicians be proficient in critically evaluating the medical literature, it is more important that they become proficient in the "applied science of information management." Clinicians must learn the techniques and skills to find, evaluate, and use relevant and valid information both in the care of patients and in their careers of lifelong learning. Clinicians need sources for rapid retrieval of valid information at the point of care.