Implementing an information literacy course: Impact on undergraduate medical students' abilities and attitudes

The present study investigates the impact of an information literacy course that was developed and implemented based on findings in literature, with the aim being to measure the perception levels of academic achievement, skills and efficiancy among candidate physicians. The course aimed to assist students in accessing the information they need without wasting time, in evaluating the accuracy of the available information and deciding whether or not it meets their needs, and in making use of this information properly in ethical and legal terms. The sample comprised 431 first-year students of the Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine in the 2018–2019 academic year. The achievement test, performance form, information literacy scale and feedback form were used for the gathering of data. The findings of the study revealed the students to be successful in academic achievement, skill and information literacy efficacy perception. The strength of the training lay in its ability to change the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the participants, despite lasting only four hours. This study provides evidence of the importance of information literacy. Information literacy education can generate positive learning experiences for healthcare students, allowing them to increase their understanding of research and prepare themselves for future professions in the healthcare sector. A number of steps were identified the development of an information literacy course. Our findings may stimulate and guide other schools following a similar approach.