Implementation of a medical knowledge resource in the electronic medical record: can more clinical questions be answered at the point of care?

The information seeking behaviors of primary care providers was studied in an effort to understand their needs while seeing patients. Based on patterns previously established in the literature, the primary care providers in the VA Stars and Stripes Healthcare System were surveyed to learn their medical knowledge resource habits and preferences while seeing patients. The survey indicated preference for an electronic resource, and with the advent of the electronic medical record, this resource was implemented and usage tracked over a three year period. The research methods, findings, observations, and conclusions are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]