P15S06: Constipation (Metamucil dosage)
Bottom line: Information on treatment for
constipation was used to justify the management of a patient (Metamucil
dosage). It contributed to increase patient knowledge about constipation and
the treatment.
Level 1 outcome (situational relevance): On July 3, 2008, P15 did a search at work by themselves, during the
encounter with the patient. They retrieved one information hit about Metamucil. The reported search objectives were: to address a clinical question, to
look up something they had forgotten and to share information with the patient. “She [the patient, a woman over 65 years old] wanted a
medication for constipation. […] I couldn't remember the dose.
. […][The clinical question was]: ‘what dose of
Metamucil would you use to ease constipation’. […] I needed to tell her [the patient] how to take
it.” According to P15, e-Therapeutics+ was the only source for information,
and the found information was relevant.
Level 2 outcome (cognitive impact): One hit was associated with a report of positive
cognitive impact (see table). Regarding practice improvement and learning, P15 stated: “[…] [My practice will be improved] because now I know the
dose for Metamucil in constipation.[…] I didn't know what the dose was before.”
Retrieved
information hit:
1) e-Therapeutics+ (CIRT): e-CPS Tab – Keyword: Metamucil – Metamucil Preparations – Dosage –
Table 4 – Rounded teaspoons up to three times a day (P15S06H01)
Level 3 outcome
(information use): Information on Metamucil was retrieved, and used to
justify the management of the patient (information presented in e-Therapeutics+
was modified). “It
always says 1 rounded teaspoon up to three times a day, so I had to tell her
how to start. So I was telling her 1 teaspoon once a day, for three or five
days, then, do 1 teaspoon twice a day for three or five days, and if needed
increase it up to three times a day [in addition to lifestyle education such as
“drink more” and “eat more fiber”].”
Level 4 outcome (patient health): Regarding patient
health, P15 reported that the information contributed to increase patient
knowledge: “You get to
increase the knowledge about constipation. I mean, it's normal, but it's not
comfortable, so if you can try to treat it, it’d be better.”
Levels of outcome of information-seeking
|
Situational relevance |
Positive cognitive
impact |
Information use |
Patient health |
|
Address a clinical question Look up something forgotten Share information |
Practice improved Learned something |
Justify choice |
Patient knowledge |