Access to the online evidence base: a survey of the Northern and Yorkshire region

AIMS: To assess the awareness and use of NHSnet within general practice and to investigate the presence of skills necessary to maximise the benefits of NHSnet connections.

METHODS: Postal questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews.

PARTICIPANTS: General practice and Primary Care Trust staff.

RESULTS: At least one completed questionnaire was obtained from 65% of the general practices surveyed, and the individual response rate to the general practice survey was 44%.

90% of all respondents reported that their practice was connected to NHSnet, with 59% of respondents reporting that they use NHSnet at least once a week. Whilst NHSnet is most commonly used to search for research information or guidance, all respondents in this survey still report greater access to and use of paper-based information resources.

CONCULSIONS: Since our 1999 survey, reported NHSnet connectivity has increased greatly, with a majority of respondents reporting that they use NHSnet at least once a week. Given the recent implementation of NHSnet and the developing (ie early) stage of some online resources, this level of uptake is encouraging.