REPORT OCTOBER 2016

Since it was found that
most students within
both institutions use
internet mainly for their
studies and had to rely
on Google to find
evidence
based
information, UpToDate
was greatly appreciated
since it is internet based
and had more reliable
information. Students
also rely heavily on
textbooks and free online sources hence access to this database
which is provided free to students for their five years of study was
indeed a welcome resource.
The comparison between Tanzania and Rwanda was that Rwanda
has better technological infrastructure and that its students made
better use of the database.
Comments and questions
1. Most medical practitioners depend on past experience,
colleagues and print material which is sometimes out dated
or of low standard. This means that in some cases they
might give wrong diagnosis. UpToDate provides a solution by
providing real time information.
2. Where is MUHAS located? MUHAS is located in Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania.
3. This was a pre-survey, will there be a post survey? There
are plans to carry out a post survey to measure the impact of
UpToDate on grades of the medical students and clinicians
who have access to it.
4. What was the sample for the pre-survey since most said they
relied on Google? Clinicians who registered for courses at the
two institutions were sampled for a quick survey. And
although they knew about other resources, they preferred to
use Google.
47