Table 1 Information assessment method: target constructs and facets

Target construct: Acquisition

Facets: Types of search objectives

(1) Address a clinical question/problem/decision-making about a specific patient

(2) Fulfill an educational or research objective

(3) Search in general or for curiosity

(4) Look up something I had forgotten

(5) Share information with a patient/ caregiver

(6) Exchange information with other health professionals

(7) Plan, manage, coordinate, delegate or monitor tasks with other health professionals

Target construct: Cognition

Facets: Types of cognitive impacts

(1) My practice was (will be) changed and improved

(2) I learned something new

(3) This information confirmed I did (I am doing) the right thing

(4) I was reassured

(5) I recalled something

(6) I was dissatisfied, as this information had no impact on my practice

(7) I was dissatisfied as there was a problem with this information

(8) I disagree with this information

(9) I think this information is potentially harmful

Target construct: Application

Facets: Types of use of information for a specific patient

(1) To modify the management of this patient

(2) To justify or maintain the management of this patient

(3) To better understand a particular issue related to this patient

(4) To persuade other health professionals or patients to make changes

Target construct: Outcome

Facets: Types of patient health benefit

(1) Increasing patient knowledge about heath or healthcare

(2) Avoiding unnecessary or inappropriate treatment, diagnostic procedure or preventative intervention

(3) Increasing patient acceptability of treatment, diagnostic procedure or preventative intervention

(4) Preventing disease or health deterioration (including acute episodes of chronic diseases)

(5) Improving patient health or functioning or resilience (i.e., how well the patient faces difficulties)