Contributed Paper Abstract
Taking Consumer Health Information to the People: A Medical and Public Library Collaboration
Richard Wallace, Mary Ward, Janet S. Fisher, Biddanda (Suresh) Ponnappa, James H. Quillen College of Medicine Library, Johnson City, TN and Martha Earl, Preston Medical Library, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, TN.
Purpose: To promote the discovery and use of quality health information by consumers through training and direct service. To provide training for health professionals in identifying quality patient education materials. To collaborate with public libraries to enhance access to health information. To encourage the use of NLM information products, especially the ClinicalTrials database, and to evaluate the ClinicalTrials training materials.
Setting/Participants/Resources: The James H. Quillen College of Medicine Library (QCOML), Johnson City, Tennessee and the Preston Medical Library at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, received a contract from the University of Maryland and the Clinical Trials Section of the NLM to increase the availability and use of consumer health information in East Tennessee. One city and one rural public library were chosen to be primary participants. The local regional library collaborated to encourage all area public libraries to participate in the training classes.
Brief Description: The Preston Medical Library's well established Consumer Health Information Service (CHIS) was revised to include Clinical Trials database information in training classes, packets, website, and brochures. The CHIS was marketed anew to public library consumers, librarians, health professionals, senior citizens, and disease support and civic groups. The subcontract provided funding for additional supplies and equipment and books to be added to the CHIS collection. The CHIS staff served as consultants to the new service at the QCOML in Johnson City. The QCOML hired a nurse educator to manage the HealthInfo Express @ Your Library service. She prepared marketing materials and conducted training classes for area public and medical librarians, for consumers, and health professionals. The local Hispanic population was a special target population and Spanish language books were purchased for one rural public library.
Results/Outcome: With the expansion of UTMC CHIS training classes and marketing efforts, librarians ordered new presentation equipment, devised a new brochure, and sent more information packets. Although librarians noted a small increase in electronic document delivery directly to patrons, the majority still requested printed information.
At the QCOM Library, class outlines were prepared for public and medical librarians, for health professionals, and for consumers. The consumer classes were presented to diverse populations such as senior citizens, adult education GED classes, a Back to Work program, and various health professionals and students. Public and medical librarians reported a slight increase in the number of queries each time the service was broadcast on television and radio.
Evaluation Method: The CHIS used pre- and post-tests and evaluation forms to assess success of training efforts. Test results showed that attendees learned about ClinicalTrials.gov, other NLM resources, quality websites, and the importance of focused searching. Analysis of evaluation forms revealed satisfaction with the classes and a desire to learn more. Public librarians scheduled additional classes and valued training in use of MedlinePlus, the Tennessee Electronic Library, and the Preston Medical Library the most. Anecdotally more consumers visited the Library and there were more requests for clinical trials information. Librarians noted a small increase in the number of requests.
At the QCOML, focus groups, surveys and class pre- and post-tests were used to evaluate the training classes. Pre- and post- tests and associated comments proved to be more useful than focus groups. All evaluation suggestions were considered for revisions to training materials and techniques. Class evaluation results showed that participants appreciated the classes, the concise content, and were motivated to try the recommended web sites, including ClinicalTrials. Requests for classes far exceeded the anticipated need.
Back to Contributed Papers
|
