Background: The Clinicians' Health Channel (CHC), an online information resource, was introduced to improve access and facilitate the use of clinical guidelines by clinicians in urban and rural hospitals in Victoria. Method: A strategic evaluation framework with social, technical and behavioural dimensions was developed. Data collection methods used were: (i) interviews and focus groups; (ii) a paper and online survey at two points in time; and (iii) an observational study after 3 years. Results: Rural-urban differences were noted. Training was more likely to have occurred in the larger metropolitan hospitals and attended by non-doctors. All age groups report low levels of experience in searching for guidelines. The uptake of clinical guidelines by clinicians was low. Perceptions and roles of the different professional disciplines were important determinants of whether clinical guidelines were accessed and used. Implications: The social, technical and professional/behavioural dimensions of clinical practice, decision-making and support, information needs and reflective practice play important roles in the development, implementation and evaluation of online information resources and delivery systems. Balancing peer, paper and online resources in a way that enhances decision-making is fundamental to clinical practice.