The Information Assessment Method: Over 15 years of research evaluating the value of health information

Issue title: Evaluating online health information sources using a mixed methods approach: Part 3

Guest editors: Vera Granikov and Piere Pluye

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Granikov, Vera^{a; b; *} | Grad, Roland^b | El Sherif, Reem^b | Shulha, Michael^{a; b} | Chaput, Genevieve^c | Doray, Genevieve^d | Lagarde, François^e | Rochette, Annie^f | Tang, David Li^{a; b} | Pluye, Pierre^b

Affiliations: [a] School of Information Studies, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada | [b] Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada | [c] Division of Supportive and Palliative Medicine, McGill University Health Centre and Departments of Oncology and Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada | [d] Naître et grandir, Fondation Lucie et André, Chagnon, Montréal, QC, Canada | [e] Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, Montréal, QC, Canada | [f] School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal and Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Vera Granikov, School of Information Studies, McGill University, 3661 Peel St., Montréal, QC, Canada, H3A 1X1, Tel.: +1 514 398 4204; E-mail: vera.granikov@mail.mcgill.ca.

Abstract: The Information Assessment Method (IAM) is unique, theory-driven, and validated by and for different audiences. Based on a theoretical model of information outcomes, the IAM questionnaire is organized in four levels: situational relevance, cognitive impact, use, and health outcomes of information. To evaluate health information, the IAM questionnaire has been used as an outcome measure providing feedback from the viewpoint of information users, who are clinicians, managers, patients or the public. The IAM stimulates the user to rate specific health information content online (e.g., on a webpage), thereby capturing their reflection (e.g., reflective learning) and feedback. Subsequently, ratings and comments can be used by information providers to improve their content.

Keywords: Information seeking, information outcomes, impact assessment, mixed methods, participatory research, primary health care, evidence-based clinical practice, consumer health information

DOI: 10.3233/EFI-190348

Journal: Education for Information, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 7-18, 2020