Comparative analysis of medical web search using generalized vs. niche technologies

Daniel Lorence; Joanna Abraham

doi:10.1007/s10916-005-7990-y

Comparative analysis of medical web search using generalized vs. niche technologies

Daniel Lorence, Joanna Abraham

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

One increasingly popular solution to the problem of information overload is the niche search engine, designed as a customized knowledge management tool to meet the needs of information seekers with similar interests. By limiting web crawling to a specific subject area, the niche engine is able to crawl deeper and more discreetly than commercial counterparts. This exploratory technology assessment study sought to examine differences in information search and retrieval patterns between commercial and niche search engines in areas of debated or uncertain healthcarer treatment. Findings suggest that while information found within the niche search is generally more trustworthy, niche searches leave out many reliable sources which are retrievable through commercial search engines. Also, consumer-friendly (non-technical) resources were found to be more prevalent using commercial search engines, suggesting greater relevance for the layperson within this domain.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	211-219
Number of pages	9
Journal	Journal of Medical Systems
Volume	30
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-005-7990-y
State	Published - Jun 2006

Keywords

Domains
Health
Information retrieval
Internet
Medical
Niche
Search
Technology assessment
Trust

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10.1007/s10916-005-7990-y

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title = "Comparative analysis of medical web search using generalized vs. niche technologies",

abstract = "One increasingly popular solution to the problem of information overload is the niche search engine, designed as a customized knowledge management tool to meet the needs of information seekers with similar interests. By limiting web crawling to a specific subject area, the niche engine is able to crawl deeper and more discreetly than commercial counterparts. This exploratory technology assessment study sought to examine differences in information search and retrieval patterns between commercial and niche search engines in areas of debated or uncertain healthcarer treatment. Findings suggest that while information found within the niche search is generally more trustworthy, niche searches leave out many reliable sources which are retrievable through commercial search engines. Also, consumer-friendly (non-technical) resources were found to be more prevalent using commercial search engines, suggesting greater relevance for the layperson within this domain.",

keywords = "Domains, Health, Information retrieval, Internet, Medical, Niche, Search, Technology assessment, Trust",

author = "Daniel Lorence and Joanna Abraham",

note = "Funding Information: prominent health/medical agencies within HHS. These include the National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine (NLM), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A majority of the nonfederal links reach the sites of the leading nonprofit health and medical associations. The American Cancer Association, American Heart Association, Learning Disabilities Association, and National Mental Health Association, among others, can be located from Healthfinder. Other links reach some two dozen state health departments and educational institutions with public information services.",

year = "2006",

month = jun,

doi = "10.1007/s10916-005-7990-y",

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volume = "30",

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AU - Lorence, Daniel

AU - Abraham, Joanna

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PY - 2006/6

Y1 - 2006/6

N2 - One increasingly popular solution to the problem of information overload is the niche search engine, designed as a customized knowledge management tool to meet the needs of information seekers with similar interests. By limiting web crawling to a specific subject area, the niche engine is able to crawl deeper and more discreetly than commercial counterparts. This exploratory technology assessment study sought to examine differences in information search and retrieval patterns between commercial and niche search engines in areas of debated or uncertain healthcarer treatment. Findings suggest that while information found within the niche search is generally more trustworthy, niche searches leave out many reliable sources which are retrievable through commercial search engines. Also, consumer-friendly (non-technical) resources were found to be more prevalent using commercial search engines, suggesting greater relevance for the layperson within this domain.

AB - One increasingly popular solution to the problem of information overload is the niche search engine, designed as a customized knowledge management tool to meet the needs of information seekers with similar interests. By limiting web crawling to a specific subject area, the niche engine is able to crawl deeper and more discreetly than commercial counterparts. This exploratory technology assessment study sought to examine differences in information search and retrieval patterns between commercial and niche search engines in areas of debated or uncertain healthcarer treatment. Findings suggest that while information found within the niche search is generally more trustworthy, niche searches leave out many reliable sources which are retrievable through commercial search engines. Also, consumer-friendly (non-technical) resources were found to be more prevalent using commercial search engines, suggesting greater relevance for the layperson within this domain.

KW - Domains

KW - Health

KW - Information retrieval

KW - Internet

KW - Medical

KW - Niche

KW - Search

KW - Technology assessment

KW - Trust

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JO - Journal of Medical Systems

JF - Journal of Medical Systems

IS - 3

ER -

Comparative analysis of medical web search using generalized vs. niche technologies

Abstract

Keywords

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