Catching the Web-Casting Wave

Abstract

The Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) in Charleston, West Virginia has embraced new media technologies to raise the bar on Web-based consumer information. This paper will detail CAMC's initiative in the area of interactive, Web-based consumer health learning using Web casting. CAMC has learned how to put their video programs on the Internet to teach people how to make the best health decisions. The professionals at CAMC are pushing the limits of what can be done with health information on the Internet.     

Collaborating with Patient Care Units to Provide Consumer Health Information

Abstract

Providing access to information for patients and families is one of the primary knowledge-based functions of a hospital library. To meet this goal, the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Library and Resource Center has developed a variety of consumer health information services, including a full-time staffed consumer health Resource Library with companion Web sites, as well as developing and supporting two departmental patient libraries. Combining the information resources of both the Resource Library and the Web sites for the Pediatric and Oncology nursing units has enhanced the information available on the overall site and provided an opportunity for collaboration with nursing staff to meet the health information needs of patients and families.     

Planning,Design, Equipment,and Software

Abstract

Consumer Health Information [CHI]-the term can mean many things to many people and it can take many forms. Health information in layman's terms can be found in brochures, books, journals, videos, television programs, news reports and, of course, through the Internet. Current estimates differ widely as to the number of health-related sites on the Web. A November 1999 article in the British Medical Journalestimates that there are approximately 100,000 health-related sites in existence.¹ Health resources come in many forms and the technology and design of those sites can be just as varied. When viewed as an architectural structure, certain correlations can be drawn between the construction of a home and the building of a Web site. It can take a tremendous amount of effort and planning to build both. The following article describes the design process and technology behind the Arkansas Consumer Health Information Network's consumer health Web site, ARHealthLINK http://www.arhealthlink.org     

Childhood Asthma Resources on the Internet

Abstract

The various Internet hosts offer a great deal of information in the field of child and adolescent health care. In order to demonstrate the Internet's usefulness in the field of pediatrics, the topic of childhood asthma was selected to demonstrate some methods of accessing information which might be of interest to pediatric health care providers, parents, or interested lay persons. Various methods of searching for relevant information are demonstrated and the Internet facilities of Gopher, listserv, FTP, and World-Wide Web (WWW) are explored. The URLs of many useful sites which contain information pertaining to childhood asthma are given.     

Brigham and Women's Hospital's Consumer Health Database Searching Seminar Series

ABSTRACT

Brigham and Women's Hospital Kessler Health Education Library launched a Consumer Health Database Searching Seminar (CHDSS) series to instruct patients, family members, and care providers who disseminate consumer health information to patients and families on the methods and techniques of structured database searching utilizing the library's online resources. Each seminar focuses on a specific national health observance and targets an individual database. The CHDSS series has been an effective approach in teaching users how to search for consumer health information.     

MedlinePlus Goes Local in NC

ABSTRACT

NC Health Info is a collection of online North Carolina-based health services Web sites that links seamlessly with health information on MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine's consumer health information Web site. NC Health Info is the result of a pilot study to define the components involved in creating such a system, and serves as a model to be used by other states wishing to connect their own collections of health services with MedlinePlus. This paper addresses the seven major challenges faced during development and the tactics used to overcome those challenges.     

Free Online Consumer Health Classes

Abstract

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) provides many avenues for consumers to find and evaluate online health information. In addition to the consumer health Web sites NLM has developed, there are numerous online training modules available through The National Network of Libraries of Medicine's “National Training Center and Clearinghouse's Educational Database.” This database lists available classes and provides contact information for libraries across the country that offer training and education in using the NLM Web sites and in finding and evaluating health information online.     

A Study of Consumer Health Links on Medical School Library Home Pages

Abstract

This article studies the status of consumer health information on medical school library home pages in the United States. Examined are terminology, format, and selection of consumer health resources. A top ten list is compiled and compared to lists of the Medical Library Association and Google.com.     

HealthInfoIowa

Abstract

No shortage of health information exists on the Internet, but how does the consumer know what is accurate and reliable? What criteria should one use when judging the credibility of a Web site? When the searcher does not find the information he is seeking, where can he go for assistance? In Iowa, he can begin with HealthInfoIowa http://www.HealthInfoIowa.org, a consumer health information Web site sponsored by the State Library of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the University of Iowa Hardin Health Sciences Library, Iowa Methodist/Lutheran/Blank Hospitals in Des Moines, Ames Public Library, and the Iowa Substance Abuse Information Center in Cedar Rapids. This article explains why and how HealthInfoIowa was developed and the Web site links that guide the user in locating appropriate health information resources.     

Providing Access to Consumer Health Information for the Russian-Speaking Population

Abstract

Providing health information for a multi-language patient population is one of the important functions of hospital librarians today. The lack of satisfactory quality information in foreign languages often complicates a librarian's work and can compromise the whole health services delivery process for this population. This article discusses a Web site called MedInfoRus <medinforus.homestead.com/MedInfoRus.html>, which was created to help fill this gap. The Web site provides an extensive amount of medical information in Russian for a population with limited English language skills. It includes patient information, dictionaries, electronic publications, and other sources that can apply to the consumer population as well as members of the medical staff. A very important tool available at MedInfoRus is the PubMed Guide in Russian, developed by the authors for both Russian-speaking medical professionals and consumers of medical information with limited or non-existent experience in searching medical databases.     

Pharmaceutical Companies as a Source of Health Information: A Pilot Study of the Effects of Source,Web Site Interactivity,and Involvement

While pharmaceutical companies provide abundant health and medical information on their Web sites, little is known about consumers' perceptions of pharmaceutical companies as a health information source and the impact of pharmaceutical Web sites on health-related attitudes and behaviors. Findings from this study suggest that a pharmaceutical company can be perceived to be just as credible as a government health agency, and that Web site interactivity and consumer involvement with online health information affect the persuasive effects of the pharmaceutical company's message. Implications for future research and for the role of pharmaceutical companies in health communication are discussed.     

Georgia AHEC Librarians Deliver Consumer Health Information to Rural Areas

ABSTRACT

AHEC librarians are forming traditional and nontraditional partners to deliver consumer health information. Through alliances with public libraries, public health departments, and hospitals/ clinics in 15 rural and four urban counties, training to locate quality consumer health information was provided to patrons, clients, and patients. This article will explain how funding was obtained, secrets to the programs' successes, and the barriers encountered. These successful programs are delivering consumer health information that will provide tools to improve the health status in the AHEC communities.     

我国省级疾病预防控制专业技术人员对公共卫生医师规范化培训的态度和认知分析

目的 了解我国省级疾病预防控制专业技术人员对公共卫生医师规范化培训（公卫医师规培）的态度及认知状况,为推动我国公卫医师规培模式的探索和实施提供依据。方法 整群抽样选择江苏省和广东省、山西省和湖北省、四川省和新疆维吾尔自治区的省级CDC专业技术人员作为研究对象共2 193名,调查样本量估计为1 933人。结果 调查对象1 716名省级CDC专业技术人员中,公卫医师规培的总支持率为70.7%（1 213/1 716）;875名公共卫生与预防医学专业的调查对象中,硕士研究生及以上学历组对公卫医师规培的支持率为61.6%（318/516）,低于本科学历组的73.1%（225/308）和大专及以下学历组的86.3%（44/51）。公卫医师规培年限认知为2年的占14.9%（232/1 555）;规培主要方式认知为现场实习的占60.4%（933/1 544）;在培训主要内容上选择“流行病学调查和公共卫生实践”的为86.6%（1 355/1 564）,选择“基础理论与方法”的为76.7%（1 199/1 564）。结论 省级CDC专业技术人员对开展公卫医师规培的积极性相对不高,尚未形成共识;对培训时限、主要形式和内容的认知程度不足。省级CDC专业技术人员尤其是高学历者是试点期间加强宣传动员的重点群体。建议全国CDC系统推行公卫医师规培,以实践效果促进全行业形成共识,加快论证和出台公共卫生人才毕业后的教育制度。     

Quality Assurance in eHealth for Consumers

Abstract

As millions of consumers turn to the Internet for health information, it is imperative that consumer health librarians teach them the skills needed to find trustworthy health information. This article examines important quality criteria for consumer health Web sites and reviews some top health Web sites that demonstrate quality.     

Making the Most of Web Resources to Enhance Health Disparities Information Programs

Abstract

Libraries have the ability to create significant programs for populations most affected by health disparities. Increasing Web-based health resources is transcending the availability of consumer health information. Reliable information is critical to making informed health care decisions. Library services for targeted populations can provide substantial benefits for health information consumers. To date, several libraries have implemented consumer focused health information programs. Although valuable, such programs do not exist without challenges to both consumers and program providers. This article explores consumer focused program models and primary barriers faced by librarians who carry out health information programs. Finally, the authors recommend ideal information tools and Web-based health resources to enhance consumer focused health disparities information programs.     

A cross-sectional analysis of trust of information and COVID-19 preventative practices among people with disabilities

BackgroundTrust of information shapes adherence to recommended practices and speed of public compliance during public health crises. This is particularly important for groups with higher rates of high-risk health conditions, including those aged 65 and over and people with disabilities.ObjectiveWe examined trust in information sources and associated adherence to COVID-19 public health recommendations among people with disabilities living in metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncore counties.MethodsWe recruited participants using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and screened for disability status (n = 408). We compared sociodemographic groups with t-tests, Pearson’s correlations, and Chi-square, as appropriate. We used linear regression to examine factors associated with trust in information and compliance with CDC recommended COVID-19 practices.ResultsNonmetro respondents had the lowest trust ratings among all demographic groups, and reported significantly less trust in most information sources. Respondents aged 65 and over reported the highest compliance with CDC recommended practices, while those from nonmetro areas reported the lowest. A regression model for adherence to CDC recommended practices was significant (F = 11.87, P ≤ .001), and explained 33% of the variance. Specifically, increased adherence was associated with being over 65, female, and higher general trust scores. Decreased practices were associated with being nonwhite, nonmetro, higher trust scores in President Trump, and having a communication disability.ConclusionsTrust in information sources is associated with action. It is important to provide clear, consistent, and non-polarizing messages during public health emergencies to promote widespread community action.     

The Web and Electronic Information in Canadian Consumer Health Libraries

Abstract

Recent Canadian health care reform has its origins in the consumer and patient movements observed worldwide, with system renewal relying heavily on current, accurate information. The advent of accessible electronic information on the Web has made the modern consumer health movements information intensive and its participants well informed. Thirty-three Canadian consumer health librarians were surveyed about electronic information and Web trends, with twenty (61%) responding with personal observations and perceptions regarding use, impact, and value. Qualitative survey data are introduced within the context of other consumer health papers in the literature from other jurisdictions, especially the United States. The investigators relate global trends to what is happening in Canada, always with an eye to reporting librarian concerns of available search tools, unreliable consumer-level information, and the need to improve online appraisal skills, as well as other timely relevant electronic information topics.     

中国2013年突发公共卫生事件媒体监测信息分析

目的 分析2013年媒体监测中所关注的我国突发公共卫生事件信息,与全国突发公共卫生事件管理信息系统报告的数据进行比较,探索网络媒体监测在突发事件发现中的作用.方法 对2013年中国疾病预防控制中心每日媒体监测信息中国内突发公共卫生事件相关信息进行描述性分析.结果 2013年中国疾病预防控制中心关注的国内突发公共卫生事件相关媒体信息共752条,涉及31个省份;其中53.46%为突发事件原始信息,22.07%为突发事件进展信息;41.62%与传染病相关,24.73%与食物中毒有关.27.53%的信息来源于政府或专业机构网站,72.47%来源于新闻媒体报道.事件类别中,41.79%为食物中毒,18.66%为传染病事件.事件发生场所中,22.39%为学校,18.16%为其他集体单位,16.92%为家庭.媒体监测关注的突发公共卫生事件中,28.86%在突发系统中进行了报告.首例病例发病日期－媒体报道日期间隔中位数为2.5 d,首例病例发病日期－突发系统报告日期间隔中位数为2.0 d,19.83%的事件媒体报道日期早于突发系统报告日期.结论 网络媒体监测已成为突发公共卫生事件发现的重要方式,是传统突发公共卫生事件监测的重要补充.     

The Beehive and firstfind

Abstract

This article describes the Beehive and firstfind, two general purpose Web sites with health information sections that strive to provide easy-to-read and easy-to-understand consumer health information.     

FROM THE EDITORS

Abstract

As the need for electronic consumer health information services becomes more evident, librarians are seeking ways to cooperate with each other to provide timely and high quality health information. Collaborative projects between public, academic, and health sciences libraries take commitment, resources, and dedication, but provide a unique method of providing this information to a public whose need for high quality health information is growing exponentially. This article explores the efforts that have been made by public, academic, and medical libraries to bring information to the health care consumer and suggests ways to make collaborative efforts work to provide electronic access to up-to-date and quality health information.