The Information Assessment Method: Over 15 Years of Research Evaluating the Value of Health Information

• Published in: The journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association 2018-01, Vol.39 (2), p.89-90
• Main Authors: Granikov, Vera, El Sherif, Reem, Pluye, Pierre, Grad, Roland, Shulha, Michael, Chaput, Genevieve, Doray, Genevieve, Rochette, Annie, Tang, David Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Questionnaires; Reflective teaching; User generated content
• ISSN: 1708-6892
• DOI: 10.29173/jchla29378

Introduction: The Information Assessment Method (IAM) is a unique theory-driven validated questionnaire used to evaluate health information outcomes from the viewpoint of information users (clinicians, managers, patients, general public). Description: IAM allows information users to rate specific health information content online (e.g., a webpage), stimulate their reflection, and collect feedback comments. Consequently, ratings and comments can be used by information providers to improve content. IAM is based on a theoretical model of information outcomes organized in four levels: situational relevance, cognitive impact, use, and health outcomes of information. The IAM questionnaire has been validated for different audiences using participatory mixed methods studies, therefore integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative insights. Outcomes: Six audience-specific IAM versions are currently used. For example, IAM-physician has been implemented by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) since 2009. 22,000 CMA members use IAM to rate daily InfoPOEMs (PatientOriented Evidence that Matters) as part of continuing medical education. Since 2014, IAM-parent has been implemented with an online parenting information resource (Naitre et Grandir) and 55,000 questionnaires have been completed so far and contributed to improving Naitre et Grandir content. Other versions include IAM-pharmacist, IAM-manager, IAM-survivor and IAM-heart. Discussion: IAM stimulates reflective learning and collects user-generated content-specific constructive feedback. It is useful to both information users and providers as it facilitates a two-way knowledge translation between them. Moreover, IAM ratings have been used to identify InfoPOEMs about tests or treatments considered unnecessary by clinicians, in line with the international 'Choosing Wisely' campaign.