Searchers who construct very complex MEDLINE searches sometimes use a technique where they test different strategies against a “validation set” of items that they know represent what they are looking for. It is an effective process but constructing that validation set can take a lot of time and resources. I am Ed Sperr, Clinical Information Librarian at the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, and I’m inviting you to participate in a research study (UGA IRB ID# 00001362) to test a method for streamlining this process.
Specifically, I am trying to determine how large such a set needs to be. If you agree to take part in this study, you will be directed to a specially modified version of PubMed Search Tester (https://esperr.github.io/pubmed-search-tester/) where you’ll find a clinical question as well as a rubric for evaluating which MEDLINE citations might contain the answer to that question. Armed with that rubric, you will evaluate a series of randomly selected citations from a predetermined search strategy and decide whether each citation is a “Good” citation that might answer that question or a “Bad” one that probably would not. Once you complete a question, your choices will be recorded, and you will have the option to continue to another. Each question should take around 7-10 minutes to complete. If you agree to participate, please begin by reviewing the formal Consent Agreement at https://esperr.github.io/assets/Random_Screen_Consent_Letter.pdf. Then start with a very short demographic questionnaire at https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a98cyq7oTo6Hkbz before you continue on to the questions. Thanks for your help! Edwin V. Sperr, MLIS AU/UGA Medical Partnership Office of Graduate Medical Education Clinical Information Librarian St. Mary’s Hospital 1230 Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606 p: 706-389-3864 e: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> w: medicalpartnership.usg.edu<http://www.medicalpartnership.usg.edu/> Edwin V. Sperr, MLIS AU/UGA Medical Partnership Office of Graduate Medical Education Clinical Information Librarian St. Mary’s Hospital 1230 Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606 p: 706-389-3864 e: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> | [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> w: medicalpartnership.usg.edu<http://www.medicalpartnership.usg.edu/>
