Background: The Cochrane Library is the most important database for evidence-based practice (EBP). A majority of medical centers and regional hospitals in Taiwan have access to The Cochrane Library. Objectives: To investigate the use of The Cochrane Library by health professionals in Taiwan. Methods: Usage of The Cochrane Library was determined by hit rates. This study collected the data on Library usage in medical centers and regional hospitals from 2005 to 2007. We compared the usage between medical centers and regional hospitals, and analyzed the correlation of Cochrane Library use with EBP promotional activities. Results: Taiwan ranked 8, 10 and 6 in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively for worldwide hit rates per country, with the UK and US being the top two countries. The total hit rates in Taiwan significantly increased year by year (p < 0.05). The total hit rates in medical centers were higher than those in regional hospitals. Furthermore, the per person mean hit rate was significantly higher in medical centers than that in regional hospitals (p < 0.001). The hit rates increased during the periods with EBP promotional activities (p < 0.05), including the EBP workshops, free use of The Cochrane Library, EBP-skill contests and the Asian Pacific EBM conference. Conclusions: There was an increasing pattern of using The Cochrane Library in Taiwan. The EBP promotional activities enhance Cochrane Library usage. These data indicate that the current strategies and programs are effective in the promotion of EBP. The results may serve as reference for the EBP promotional strategies in future.
