Context and objective: The Information Assessment Method (IAM) is a unique tool for continuing education and knowledge translation research. IAM allows health professionals to report search objectives, cognitive impact, use and patient health benefit associated with objects of clinical information retrieved from electronic knowledge resources. While IAM has been previously validated in the information delivery context (PUSH), this thesis examines the content validity, relevance and representativeness, of IAM items in the context of information retrieval (PULL).

Methods: The study was conducted in three steps. In step 1, the relevance and representativeness of IAM items were assessed. In this step, data from a mixed methods triangulation study combining a prospective observational study with a qualitative multiple case study involving 40 family physicians were analyzed. Step 2 consisted of analysis and modification of every IAM item based on a set of guiding principles. Step 3 consisted of a multi-disciplinary expert panel discussion on all modified items and the development of a new version of IAM.

Results: The content validity of 16 IAM items was supported, and these items were not changed. Nine other items were modified. Three new items were added; two were extensions based on one existing item, and one was obtained from data analysis and literature review.

Conclusion: The final result of this thesis is a content validated version of IAM in the PULL context (IAM 2011).