Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the response of Pediatric residents and attending physicians to contact with a clinical medical librarian (CML) on in-patient rounds as a method of providing medical information to support clinical care and physician education.

Methods: Over a six week period, a CML joined inpatient rounds three times per week to identify medical information needs and supply appropriate information with a target turn-around time of 3-48 hours. At the end of this period, pediatric residents and attending physicians were surveyed regarding their satisfaction and usefulness of the project using a +2/0/-2(excellent/neutral/poor) scale.

Results: Twelve resident (55%) and 5 attending physician (63%) surveys were returned. Information turn around from the CML was judged to be good (Resident (R) 1; Attending(A) 1.5). The utility of general information(R0.73;A0.8) and impact on patient care was good (R0.42;A1). For the information selected by the CML, the volume was appropriate (R0.67;A1.5) and the information chosen by the CML met the physician's needs to provide patient care (R0.75;A1). Having the CML attend rounds had a positive effect on patient care (R0.58;A1.2) and the project was judged to be worth continuing(R0.75;A1.4). To improve the project, physicians need to be educated on the CML's capabilities, role, and availability. Additionally, the CML needs education on judging the priority of requested clinical information.

Conclusions: The response of pediatric residents and attending physicians to having a CML present during rounds suggests that regular interaction between pediatric physicians and CML's improves physician education and patient care.