Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'DK. Health libraries, Medical libraries'

Book Summary The book takes an open and encompassing approach to exploring evidence based library and information practice (EBLIP) and the ways it can improve the practice of librarianship. Bringing together recent theory, research, and case studies, it provides librarians with a new reference point for how they can use and create evidence within their practice, in order to better meet the needs of their communities. Being Evidence Based in Library and Information Practice is divided into two parts; in the first part the editors explore the background to EBLIP and put forward a new model for its application in the workplace which encompasses five elements: Articulate, Assemble, Assess, Agree, Adapt. In the second part, contributors from academic, public, health, school, and special libraries from around the world provide an overview of EBLIP developments and offer examples of successful implementation. Essential reading for library and information professionals from all types of institutions who want to make more informed decisions and better meet the needs of their users, this book will also be of interest to students of library and information studies and researchers.

This 130-page guide is a primer (including tools and resources) for planning and evaluating health information programs. It was developed by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Pacific Northwest Region and the National Library of Medicine.

Objectives: The purpose of this presentation is to analyze a statewide consumer health training program that involved a partnership between academic and public libraries. The project was conducted from 2004–2010. Over 250 participants from public libraries received MLA’s Consumer Health Information Specialization Level 1 certificate as a result of the project. Methods: Participants from the public libraries were interviewed either individually or in small groups. Thoughts on the classes, their experience with consumer health information, and MedlinePlus as a product were elicited from the participants. Their observations were recorded. The findings were analyzed, and dominant themes were identified. Results: The motivation behind this effort was reports that the first place people with a new diagnosis go for information is the public library. Anecdotal evidence shows that the participants enjoyed the classes and felt empowered by the training. Many expressed interest in continuing training. Conclusions: Public libraries are valuable partners for medical librarians. We wanted to look for evidence to see if there was any value in this project in order to know whether to repeat it in the future or whether to promote it as a model to other geographical areas

Objectives: The purpose of this presentation is to analyze a statewide consumer health training program that involved a partnership between academic and public libraries. The project was conducted from 2004–2010. Over 250 participants from public libraries received MLA’s Consumer Health Information Specialization Level 1 certificate as a result of the project. Methods: Participants from the public libraries were interviewed either individually or in small groups. Thoughts on the classes, their experience with consumer health information, and MedlinePlus as a product were elicited from the participants. Their observations were recorded. The findings were analyzed, and dominant themes were identified. Results: The motivation behind this effort was reports that the first place people with a new diagnosis go for information is the public library. Anecdotal evidence shows that the participants enjoyed the classes and felt empowered by the training. Many expressed interest in continuing training. Conclusions: Public libraries are valuable partners for medical librarians. We wanted to look for evidence to see if there was any value in this project in order to know whether to repeat it in the future or whether to promote it as a model to other geographical areas

East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine Library (ETSUQCOML) developed a training program to enable public libraries, public health workers, and rural hospital staff to be consumer health information providers. Four NN/LM-developed classes were taught to public libraries. Regional public library directors were invaluable in obtaining the concurrence of their boards for release time for class attendance. Classes were also developed for the public health workforce and rural hospital staff. Five-hundred thirty-three students attended the classes. Fifty-two public library workers will receive the MLA's Consumer Health Information Specialist certification. Thirty-one public libraries have joined NN/LM. All ordered MedlinePlus marketing materials for their libraries from InformationRx.org.

ABSTRACT Information literacy skills training should be utilised by libraries as a strategy for transforming non-library users into constant users by teaching them appropriate skills that can impact on their knowledge and attitudes towards the utilisation of library resources. Although libraries do provide training aimed at making students conscious of the range of library resources and services and how to use them in their studies and career development, it has regrettably been observed that the skills and services are not well utilised by many. Students in many institutions still rely heavily on the librarian even after receiving training. This has also been observed at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) library. This study titled, An assessment of the attitudes of undergraduate students towards information literacy training: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Library as case study, therefore addressed the following research problem: To what extent does the information literacy skills training offered at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Library affect students’ attitudes towards information literacy training and use of information retrieval systems? The study was aimed at offering 2015 first year students at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and the librarian responsible for information literacy skills training an opportunity to express their perceptions and feelings about the library’s information literacy skills training programme and the use of information retrieval systems. The study also aimed at determining barriers that students experience in independently and effectively utilising library services and systems and identifying possible gaps in the training. The study also looked at aspects of the training that influenced students positively. A case study of first year students from the Schools of Medicine, Pathology and Pre-Clinical Sciences, Oral Health Sciences and Health Care Sciences at SMU was conducted using a mixed methods approach, collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data. It employed questionnaires (for quantitative data), focus group interviews (for qualitative data) and an interview with the librarian responsible for information literacy training (qualitative data). Data were collected from the 14th October to the 06th November 2015. A total of 394 questionnaires were distributed, 225 questionnaires were returned and 219 were sufficiently completed to be useful. Four focus group interviews were held with 18 first year students; all schools were represented. Students contributed ideas and voiced their opinions about the value of information literacy skills training for their studies, future career and their everyday life. They shared perceptions on their satisfaction with the skills learned and had the opportunity to rank the skills they have improved as a result of the training. Students confirmed that the training programme was indeed valuable and required for various aspects of their life, studies and career. They learned the skills needed when searching for information. Their effort and time for searching, locating, finding, accessing, evaluating and using information from the shelves, catalogue, internet and databases had also been decreased. Some of the gaps identified by students were that they struggled with acquiring new skills as they had no prior exposure to libraries and computers, the classes were overcrowded and uncontrollable, the scope covered was too wide for one session, the training was overwhelming and the timing of the year wrong. Students also made suggestions and recommendations, for example continuous or monthly training, online training sessions, small group sessions, facilitation training for the trainers and including basic computer training. The practical recommendations from the study, which include the student recommendations, can be utilised to improve information literacy skills training at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Library, and also hold value for other academic contexts. From a theoretical viewpoint, theories of self-efficacy and affordance theory can be explored in further work.
Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Carnegie Corporation of New York
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted

A quantitative survey was conducted in two Canberra hospitals that aimed at ascertaining the impact of information provided by medical libraries on clinical decision making. Specifically, this research study investigated clinical, cognitive and quality value of information provided by the medical librarians to the management of patients and doctors' ability to handle clinical cases differently as a result of such information. Furthermore, the relative value of information received from the library was assessed by comparing it to the value of information received from other sources in dealing with clinical problems. The research involved medical specialists and registrars affiliated with these hospitals. Doctors were asked to select any clinical situation which they frequently or currently encounter and for which further information would be useful to them. Once their information requests were identified, they were then asked to present such requests to the hospital library. In order to avoid any special treatment, participants were urged not to identify themselves to the library staff as partaking in the study. It was important that participants did not search for the information themselves. The doctors were asked to evaluate the material provided by the library in relation to clinical care and, thereafter, complete a short questionnaire. This research took place between October 1994 and March 1995. The questionnaires were sent to 288 doctors. This represented the total population of specialists and registrars affiliated with both hospitals at the time of the study. Analysis of the results is based on a 34% useable response rate. Medical specialists were by far the higher number of respondents (70%) as compared with registrars (30%). Eighty-one per cent of the doctors said that the information provided by the library refreshed their memory and 82% said that it would contribute to better quality of medical care. Eighty-six per cent indicated that some of this information was new to them and 99% said that the information provided was up to date. Ninety-four per cent said that the information provided by the library was of clinical value to them. As the result of the information provided by the library 75% of respondents would either definitely or probably handle some aspects of the clinical situation differently than they would have done it otherwise. The level of importance of the change for the optimal care of patients was assessed with 54% regarding it as important, 42% as moderately important. Specifically, as the result of the information provided, the doctors were able to change the following: diagnosis 10%, choice of lab tests 20%, choice of other diagnostic investigations 24%, choice of drugs 27%, choice of other management 58%, reduce length of hospitalisation 10%, post-operative care of patients 25%, advice given to patients 47%. On the basis of the received information the doctors were able to avoid the following: hospitalisation of patients 11%, risk of hospital acquired infection 8%, surgical intervention 19%, tests or other investigation 23%, additional out-patient visits 12%. Discussions with colleagues were reported to be most valued sources of information for the purpose of clinical decisions (59%), followed by diagnostic imaging (49%), librarian (45%), lab tests (42%) and patients' medical records (30%). The librarian's role as contributing to the process of clinical decisions was rated highly with 88% ranking it as either important or moderately important. The results of significance p test statistic performed at 0.05 significance level suggested that, for this study, there was a significant relationship between the frequency of library use and doctors' ability to change the choice of laboratory tests, diagnostic investigations, and the choice of prescribed drugs. The results of this research study demonstrate that medical librarians can positively contribute to clinical management of patients by providing timely and accurate information. Further research is recommended in order to determine the impact of the whole range of library services on health care outcomes.

Librarians at the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Quillen College of Medicine Library have provided consumer health outreach services to rural and underserved populations at Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinics since 2009. These outreach services heavily depend upon and promote consumer health websites and National Library of Medicine (NLM) resources in order to reach the largest number of people at the lowest possible cost. This article will provide a brief overview of RAM clinics in Wise, VA, and Gray, TN, served by ETSU librarians for years. Additionally, this article will discuss the evolution of ETSU QCoM librarian outreach initiatives relating to these clinics over the past decade. This article includes a list of online consumer health resources used to support these initiatives as well as a list of most commonly addressed consumer health topics.

This study evaluates monograph acquisition decisions at an academic health sciences library using circulation and acquisitions data. The goal was to provide insight regarding how to allocate library funds to support research and education in disciplines of interest to the library user base. Data analysis revealed that allocations in 13 subject areas should be reviewed as the cost of circulation was greater than the average cost of circulation of the sample and the average cost of monographs was higher in these subject areas than the average cost of monographs in the sample. In contrast, 13 subjects returned cost of circulation rates lower than the average cost of circulation of the sample. These subjects merit stable budget allocation or increased allocation depending upon collection needs. Overall, this study found that this library is allocating a majority of resources to subjects with above average rates of use.

Objective: To enable primarily public libraries and secondarily public health workers and rural hospital staff to be consumer health information providers with the goal of creating a program that could be copied nationally, enabling public library workers to become an important resource in reversing our national health information illiteracy. Setting: Three regions of the state regional public library system covering seventeen counties and two regions of the state public health department system. Participants: Public library staff, public health department staff, and rural hospital staff. Program: East Tennessee State University (ETSU) College of Medicine Library partnered with public libraries to improve the delivery of health information. Four free classes were taught multiple times: “Prescription for Success,” “An Apple a Day,” “PubMed for Public Librarians,” and “From Snake Oil to Penicillin.” Regional public library directors were used to convince their staff of its value and obtain the concurrence of their boards for release time for class attendance. Classes were also developed for the public health workforce and rural hospital staff. Existing classes (with all teaching materials on the National Network of Libraries of Medicine [NN/ LM] Website) were used with the existing public library system. Results: Five-hundred thirty-three students attended the classes. Fifty-two public library workers received MLA’s Consumer Health Information Specialist certification. Thirty-one public libraries have joined NN/LM. All ordered MedlinePlus marketing materials for their libraries from InformationRx.org. Conclusion: This project helped address the public health problem of health information illiteracy by filling the gap the average person has in finding quality health information. A strength of this project is its easy replication. The project used materials that were readily available and put them to use. Any library could replicate this project in its own service area saving time and cost to the library.

Information and communication technologies (lCTs) are increasingly changing the way in which working, learning, doing research and administrations are carried out. ICTs have the changed natute of many academic, public and organisations libraries. Health service is an important and essential element of any modern society. Therefore, development of this service and updating its services is a priority for most of modern governments. Current developments in ICTs are changing the nature of health science libraries. Therefore research in this area is important to provide guidelines, recommendations to improve the health services. This study explores the impact of ICTs in Hamad Health Science Library in Qatar. Physicians and staff in the Hamad Medical Corporation were surveyed by questionnaire to identify the use of ICTs and their effect on them. Then personal interviews detertnined their perceptions of the impact on the research productivity of end-users. There is a lack of this type of study in the literature. Those that there are specifically address the impact of ICTs in health science library. ICTs have become a major link to health care resources for many health care workers. The study employs a systems methodological approach in order to better understand the impact and value of ICTs in Hamad Health Sciences Library (HHSL). Using the systems intervention, issues that affect the system were identified (technological issues, cooperation issues, cultural issues and staff (and user) training and development) and the problem situation improved. An ordered roadmap of elements necessary to bring about change was produced and a HHSL systems model constructed to understand the change processes in context. Conclusions drawn reflect the level of success of the aims and objectives and indicate ways in which the problem situation can be improved from a systemic standpoint. Recommendations to management include aspects associated with operational planning, policy objectives and strategic formulation.

ABSTRACT Clinical evidence technologies (CETs) are information sources derived from medical research literature that may assist health care providers in continued learning, decision-making, and patient care. Examples of CETs include: MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Reviews, research journal literature, print and electronic medical texts, clinical topic summaries, guidelines, and interactive decision tools. Clinicians utilize CETs to find answers to questions that arise during patient care. However, it was unclear if CETs had a measurable impact on provider practice or patient outcomes. A literature review identified twenty-two articles evaluating CETs’ impact. Study designs included surveys, observational studies, randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental methods. The review revealed mixed evidence of CET impact on provider-level outcomes such as improved diagnoses and treatments, and on patient level outcomes such as length of hospital stay and mortality. Additional research was needed to determine whether certain CETs or CET types have impact on patient care outcomes in clinically targeted areas. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial (CRCT) to evaluate the effect of a dermatology-focused CET (VisualDx) when used by primary care providers. We found no difference in the patient skin disease outcomes of resolution of symptoms and return visits for the same problem in that trial. Thirty-two PCPs and 433 patients participated. In proportional hazards modelling adjusted for provider clusters, the time from index visit to skin problem resolution was similar in both groups (Hazard Ratio=0.92; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=0.70, 1.21; P=0.54). Patient follow-up appointments did not differ significantly between groups (Odds Ratio=1.26; CI=0.94, 1.70; P=0.29). In a follow up mixed-methods study, we sought to understand why VisualDx did not make a difference. All CRCT provider participants were surveyed about their experience in the trial. VisualDx users (intervention arm) were interviewed about their experience using the CET. Ease of access and usefulness for patient communication facilitated successful use while irrelevant search results and use of other sources were barriers. Although PCPs reported benefits, they did not perceive the CET as useful often enough to motivate using it frequently or exclusively, thereby reducing the likelihood of it making a difference in the problem resolution and return appointment outcomes. There was no difference in skin problem resolution or number of follow-up visits when PCPs used VisualDx. PCPs did not perceive VisualDx as “useful” often enough for to use it frequently, or exclusively, thereby reducing the likelihood of this CET making a difference in patient-level outcomes.

The applicability of SERVPERF as a tool for judging the quality of services used by biomedical information professionals was tested using standard statistical procedures. Data was gathered nationally via a combination of electronic and non-electronic forms, from Area Health Education Center (AHEC) information professionals and the results consolidated to provide information for the study. It was determined that SERVPERF was applicable in making judgements about service quality for AHEC information professionals. Their perceptions about service quality tended to have a greater influence than did their level of actual satisfaction on whether or not they planned to use a particular service in the future. There is currently no validated tool available to ascertain the quality of services offered to these valuable members of the rural health care team. This dissertation proposes to provide such a tool, and to serve as a guide or template for other professionals seeking a means to judge service quality in their own disciplines.

Information is a powerful tool for enabling physicians to provide quality healthcare for their patients. Information use in the clinic is a skill that must be learned. If medical residency programs fail to impart this skill, then patients will suffer. The residents of the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine were surveyed as to their use of clinical information. Of the 217 residents of the 2005-2006 class who were surveyed, 105 returned the survey for a return rate of 48%. The clinical faculty was also surveyed in order to measure the responses of the residents against that of their instructors. ETSU residents frequently had a new information need in the clinic. The majority of the time they did not seek an answer, but when they did they were often successful in finding an answer. Therapy information was the most frequently sought after type of information. Most residents used the Quillen College of Medicine Library, but not at a desirable rate. Residents stated that information obtained from the library was helpful in caring for their patients. The most frequent source of information used by residents was electronic resources and the greatest barrier to the use of information was time. The majority of residents were PDA users, with Palm devices being the primary platform. The residents rated their PDA skills and evidence-based medicine skills as above average. Few were LoansomeDoc users. The majority of residents received information training from clinical faculty and from librarians and rated it highly. Residents indicated a desire for more training and the majority indicated that they would like a clinical medical librarian for their program. They rated the library service of the Quillen College of Medicine and the area teaching hospitals highly. Residents used Google and the Web frequently. PubMed was rated as a valuable resource. Online journals and the UpToDate database were important electronic resources for the residents. ETSU residents have many excellent resources and training opportunities in place. However, for ETSU residents to go out into community practice as true "Infomasters" an upgrading of their information training should be undertaken.

A necessidade por parte dos utilizadores das Bibliotecas de Saúde, de possuir informação com evidência científica, concisa e móvel no decorrer da sua prática clínica e académica diária, por forma a minimizar os erros de diagnóstico, tem constituído um grave problema para estes profissionais de saúde, que necessitam de ter junto de si uma biblioteca portátil 24 horas por dia. Os PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), pela sua portabilidade e acessibilidade, poderão solucionar este problema, tendo vindo a ser introduzidos com êxito, os serviços para PDAs nas Bibliotecas de Saúde. São objectivos deste estudo, contribuir para a implementação de novos serviços de referência de apoio à decisão dos utilizadores das Bibliotecas de Saúde em Portugal, com recurso aos PDAs, por forma a garantir-lhes autonomia e mobilidade nos seus locais de trabalho, indagando as bibliotecas de saúde portuguesas e europeias, sobre esta nova oportunidade de intervir no apoio aos seus utilizadores e averiguando que tipo de serviços estão dispostas a oferecer. A metodologia utilizada foi o inquérito por questionário, às Bibliotecas de Saúde Portuguesas e Europeias, assim como, entrevistas a utilizadores de PDAs em medicina. Concluiu-se, que a utilização de PDAs em medicina é já um processo irreversível, sendo missão das Bibliotecas de Saúde Portuguesas, acompanhar a evolução destas tecnologias móveis, por forma a introduzi-las gradualmente, nos futuros serviços prestados aos seus utilizadores. BSTRACT, Implementation of Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) reference services in portuguesa health libraries There is an increasing need felt by the health library users for obtaining accurate, up to date, evidence-based and mobile scientific information in their daily clinica) practice. This need to reduto diagnostic errors, save time and achieve the best decision-making for their patients, has became a serious problem to this group of health professionals, claiming more often to have next to itself, a portable library open 24 hours a day. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have been successfully introduced finto the health libraries environment and give the users the opportunity to have the most recent and scientific information In the palm of their hands". The main objective is to contributo to the implementation of user reference services based in PDAs, in Portuguese Health Libraries in order to guarantee our health professional users, autonomy and mobility in their work placas near the patients. We afim to know, if the Portugese and European Health Libraries, are fully aware of the strengths and power of these new kinds of services based on PDAs, giving them the chance to offer the adjusted help to this new user needs. The methodology used is based on online surveys, submitted to Portuguese and European Health Libraries, and by interviews conducted with a group of selected expert health users of PDAs, in medicine. We concluded that using PDAs, is the future in Medicine and the mission of health libraries is to offer services based on mobile technologies such as PDAs, if they want to serve their users with excelente

Made available in DSpace on 2013-01-07T15:55:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) 11.pdf: 1003659 bytes, checksum: 93e4dc64d449d41d8154423cc7c5366b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005
A dissertação examina a gênese e os primeiros anos de funcionamento da Biblioteca Regional de Medicina - Bireme, da Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde - Opas, hoje Centro Latino-Americano e do Caribe de Informação em Ciências da Saúde. Discute os antecedentes, a sua instalação em 1967 e as gestões dos seus dois primeiros diretores, Amador Neghme e Abraham Sonis, no período compreendido entre 1969 e 1982. Ao fazê-lo, caracteriza a Bireme, simultaneamente, como aparato e como arena de negociação, inscrita nos processos mais gerais do desenvolvimento, da informação em C&T, da cooperação internacional e das políticas de saúde no contexto latino-americano, assim como expressão das posições presentes no movimento de expansão e reforma do ensino médico na região. Este percurso histórico tem como marco inicial a concepção de uma biblioteca regional de medicina para a América Latina, segundo um modelo que foi simultaneamente proposto, pela biblioteconomia médica norte-americana, para a constituição de um sistema de bibliotecas nos Estados Unidos, sob a liderança National Library of Medicine - NLM.

This thesis examines industrial welfarism in Australia from 1890 to 1965. This period witnessed the gradual spread of the welfarism movement throughout Australian industry as employers sought ways to increase productivity and control in the face of external challenges. Once reaching its peak in the immediate post-War period, the welfarism movement was gradually subsumed as part of the increasing formalisation of personnel management. Waves of interest in welfare provision coincided with periods of labour shortage and/or labour militancy in Australia, indicating its dual role in the management of labour. Firstly, by offering benefits and services beyond that made necessary by the law or industrial awards, welfarism was designed to create a pool of good quality workers for management to draw from. Secondly, managers sought to enhance their control over these workers and their productive effort, using welfarism as a technique to build worker consent to managerial authority. This could be achieved through subtle methods aimed at boosting loyalty and morale, or through more direct programs designed to increase worker dependency on the company. In both ways, individual and collective worker resistance could be minimised, thereby reinforcing managerial prerogative. Despite its adoption by a variety of companies, a number of economic, political and institutional factors limited the extent of industrial welfarism in Australia. These include the small-scale of most enterprises prior to the Second World War, state involvement in the area of industrial relations and welfare provision, and the strength of organised labour. While the welfarism movement did not reach the heights experienced overseas, it nonetheless provided an important contribution to the development of formal labour management in Australia.

This thesis examines industrial welfarism in Australia from 1890 to 1965. This period witnessed the gradual spread of the welfarism movement throughout Australian industry as employers sought ways to increase productivity and control in the face of external challenges. Once reaching its peak in the immediate post-War period, the welfarism movement was gradually subsumed as part of the increasing formalisation of personnel management. Waves of interest in welfare provision coincided with periods of labour shortage and/or labour militancy in Australia, indicating its dual role in the management of labour. Firstly, by offering benefits and services beyond that made necessary by the law or industrial awards, welfarism was designed to create a pool of good quality workers for management to draw from. Secondly, managers sought to enhance their control over these workers and their productive effort, using welfarism as a technique to build worker consent to managerial authority. This could be achieved through subtle methods aimed at boosting loyalty and morale, or through more direct programs designed to increase worker dependency on the company. In both ways, individual and collective worker resistance could be minimised, thereby reinforcing managerial prerogative. Despite its adoption by a variety of companies, a number of economic, political and institutional factors limited the extent of industrial welfarism in Australia. These include the small-scale of most enterprises prior to the Second World War, state involvement in the area of industrial relations and welfare provision, and the strength of organised labour. While the welfarism movement did not reach the heights experienced overseas, it nonetheless provided an important contribution to the development of formal labour management in Australia.

Purpose: This paper reports on the strategies and tactics medical librarians can use to address health literacy disparities in their health care facility and their community. Setting: Medical libraries with a consumer health collection. Brief Description: A patientâ s ability to understand basic medical information is critical to not only their ability to comprehend their diagnosis and follow treatment plans but also in maintaining their overall health. Hospital librarians are in a position to recognize those patients who may have health literacy issues. They can provide these patients with the health information they need as well as educate clinicians on how to ensure their patients understand the information they are providing.

This poster highlights a collaboration between a health sciences library and an integrative medicine program, to organize the latter's collection, offer its content via the library's online catalog, and allow limited circulation while maintaining the physical collection in the program. With limited library staff and a need to maintain availability of materials to the program, numerous issues needed addressing. First, the library did not have a cataloger with sufficient subject expertise and available time to handle the project in a timely manner. The solution was collaboration between a reference librarian with subject expertise and technical services personnel. Technical issues involved creating new locations in the online catalog and suppressing cataloging records from public view until the program is ready to share resources with the university community. NLM call numbers and Medical Subject Headings were used to achieve complete integration with the library's catalog. Some original cataloging was needed; subject headings in older records were updated (i.e., changing the old heading alternative medicine to the current complementary therapies). Some titles falling outside of health sciences fields needed Library of Congress call numbers. Future plans include: completing work on existing volumes, the library continuing to catalogthe program's materials, and setting up a circulation station in the program's library, with materials circulating according to policies determined by the program in consultation with appropriate library units. The collaboration between reference and technical services librarians has offered benefits both for the librarians involved and for the library as a whole. The integrative medicine program has not yet opened its doors to public use, so it is too early to report on feedback from users outside the program. However, the program is finding that NLM cataloging allows more efficient organization and retrieval of materials. All university departments benefit by access to a more extensive collection in this specialized area. The integrative medicine program and the library are finding this collaboration fruitful, and the programs's faculty and staff look forward to sharing resources with the university community.

碩士
高雄醫學大學
醫務管理學研究所碩士在職專班
94
Abstract In this thesis, we investigate the outcomes of medical electronic libraries of provincial hospitals. We analyze and discuss the significant prediction of “willingness of use”, “satisfaction of use” and promoting factors of outcomes for management and strategic decision of electronic libraries. Medical electronic libraries could efficiently arrange budges and properly implement functions. And then, medical electronic libraries could promote the qualities, willingness of use and satisfaction of use. Furthermore, the outcomes of hospitals and person will be upgraded. Objectives: The objectives of our studies are: 1. to realize the situations of implementation in medical electronic library of provincial hospitals, 2. to discuss the differences of the characteristics of demography and properties of basic data in 5 facets of electronic libraries, 3. to analyze the correlations between, 5 facets, 4. to analyze the factors of significant prediction of “willingness of use”, “satisfaction of use” and of outcomes. Methods: We employ structured questionnaire design, and utilize the Likert scale for measurement of importance. Our research targets are the employees who work for provincial hospitals and have the usage experience of medical electronic library of provincial hospitals. We sent 1,350 questionnaires. The response rate is 80.22%. We analyze our data using SPSS for Windows version 10.0. Results: 1. The employees in provincial hospitals have identification in medical electronic library of provincial hospitals. They have high willingness to utilize the electronic library. And they have middle and upper level of approval. The order: (1) willingness of users, (2) outcomes, (3) budge arrangement and applications of electronic journals, (4) satisfactions of users, (5) the quality of electronic library. 2. In different age level, there are significant differences in the first and fourth facets. In different sex and monthly uses of electronic library, there are significant differences in the fifth facet. And the differences of male are higher than females’. They are with more satisfaction by more uses. In different educational and working levels, there are significant differences in the third, the fourth and the fifth facet. The employees with higher educational levels are with more agreements. In different units, there are significant differences in the first and the fifth facet. The order list is regional hospitals > local hospitals > subjective hospitals. In experience of internet, there are significant differences in all facets. In daily hours of internet uses, there is less significant difference in the fourth facet. But there are significant differences in the rest facets. The results of analysis shows more experience of internet and more requirements of electronic library system. 3. In requirements of task and non-task, there are significant differences in all facet s. And the differences in requirements of task are higher than in requirements of non-task. In database retrieval and educational data, there are significant differences in all facets. And the agreements of users are higher than who never uses. 4. All the users of medical electronic library have positive correlations in all facets. The order list : the related parameters of the first and the fourth facets > the related parameters of the third and the fifth facets > the related parameters of the fourth and the fifth facets > the related parameters of the first and the second facets > the related parameters of the second and the fifth facets > the related parameters of the second and the third facets > the related parameters of the third and the fourth facets > the related parameters of the second and the fourth facets > the related parameters of the first and the fifth facets > the related parameters of the first and the third facets. 5. The significant predictions of the factors of the fifth facet in electronic library: （1） The fifth facet=0.48 + 0.50(the third facet) + 0.38(the fourth facet). (R2 is 66.9%, F(2.975)=986.412, P=0.000). （2） The fifth facet =0.37 + 0.52(the third facet) + 0.39(the second facet). (R2 is 64.5%, F(2.975) = 884.181, P = 0.000). 6. The significant predictions of the factors of the third facet in electronic library: （1） The third facet=0.87 + 0.57(The fifth facet) + 0.22(The fourth facet). (R2 is 60.4%, F(2.975) = 742.117, P = 0.000). （2） The third facet = 1.05 + 0.46(The second facet) + 0.30(The fourth facet). (R2 is 52.2%, F(2.975) = 532.522, P = 0.000). 7. The significant predictions of the factors of the fourth facet in electronic library: （1） The fourth facet = -0.15 + 0.45(the fifth facet) + 0.39(the first facet) + 0.181(the third facet). (R2 is 64.1%, F(3.974) = 580.252, P = 0.000). （2） The fourth facet = -0.11+0.55(the second facet) + 0.26(the third facet) + 0.215(the first facet). (R2 is 64.9%, F(3.974) = 599.291, P = 0.000). Conclusions and suggestions: 1. Conclusions (1). The order list of average in electronic library facets of users is: (i) willingness of users, (ii) outcomes, (iii) arrangement of budget and implement of functions of electronic library, (iv) satisfaction of use, (v) quality of electronic library. (2). There are significant differences in the first and fourth facets during different age levels. In different sex and monthly uses of electronic library, there are significant differences in the fifth facet. And the differences of male are higher than females’. They are with more satisfaction by more uses. In different educational and working levels, there are significant differences in the third, the fourth and the fifth facet. The order list is doctors > employees of medical treatment > nurses. In different units, there are significant differences in the first and the fifth facet. The order list is regional hospitals > local hospitals > subjective hospitals. (3). The willingness of all the users has positive correlations to all facets of medical electronic library. Evidently, all facets positively influence each other. (4). For the significant prediction of medical electronic library, the factors of the fifth facet are: the multiple regressive equations of the third facet + the fourth facet and the second facet + the third facet. The equation of the second facet + the third facet is the better one. (5). And, for the significant prediction of medical electronic library, the factors of the third facet are: the two multiple regressive equations of the fifth facet + the fourth facet and the second facet+ the fourth facet. Furthermore, the equation of the second facet + the fourth facet is the better one. (6). As well as, for the significant prediction of medical electronic library, the factors of the fourth facet are: the two multiple regressive equations of the fifth facet + the first facet + the third facet and the second facet + the third facet + the first facet. Furthermore, the equation of the second facet + the third facet + the first facet is the better one. 2. Suggestions (1). For the demand of personality, the committee of provincial hospitals has to schedule specific requirements of different employees’ levels. For promoting the quality of services, the professional trainings of the management has to be strengthened. As well as, the trainings of users also should be enhanced for promoting the best outcomes of the rate of usage. (2). The provincial hospitals should pay much attention to the quality and capability of electronic library employees who have to do their best to provide the information and basic manipulation for users and analyze or report the outcomes of electronic library regularly. (3). Besides the requirements of Chinese journals, the employees of provincial hospitals have to enhance English capability themselves for the coming E century. (4). The medical management committee of the Department of Health has to build a rule of library management for provincial hospitals. In order to evaluate the model of development in traditional and electronic libraries, the committee has to standardize the forms of usage and management for electronic library analysis and researches. For example, what is the proportion of traditional and electronic libraries existing simultaneously? How will the traditional libraries develop? … etc. For the best outcomes of electronic library, it depends on the Department of Health which has to make proper distribution and select proper resources to fit users’ requirements. Keywords: Electronic library, willingness of use, satisfactions of use, outcomes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1995.
eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 194-205).

I would like to publish this original research work for public domain
INTRODUCTION : The study was conducted at Pramukhswami Medical College in Karamsad from November-August 2007 to assess the Computer and Internet usage amongst health care professionals. OBJECTIVE: To identify the knowledge of Computer and Internet of health care professionals of Pramukhswami Medical College and to understand the information-seeking behavior. We have observed the search habits of Internet users at PSMC. Efforts are on to find the search requirements related to the use of the Internet information. METHODS: They were given a questionnaire to collect the data. RESULTS: Results show that all the respondents are using the Internet frequently because. They use the Internet in different ways, such as accessing to online journals, downloading text, chatting, discussion, E-mail services and for finding related references. It is revealed that the professionals of PSMC are getting quality information through the Internet. It is observed that the Google and Yahoo search engines are more widely use compared to other search engines. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that high computer usage among health care professionals in an institution with good computer facilities. The majority expressed their willingness to undergo further training.

Health care has become a complex and pressured enterprise. Clinicians depend on information from many sources to incorporate into the delivery of safe, appropriate patient care. The skills and functions of clinical librarians have the potential to assist patient care teams to address their information and evidential needs. Clinical librarianship has been established for many years and much of the knowledge on the role is drawn from international literature. There is little known about the way in which clinical librarianship is being practiced in Australia. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of the clinical librarian in Australia. In examining the roles and function of the clinical librarian attention was focused on the skills required and the activities undertaken in Australian healthcare settings. A pragmatic mixed methods approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, with a sequential explanatory design. The first phase of the study was an online survey distributed to a health librarian e-list, and the second phase was semi-structured interviews with librarians in hospital settings. Integration of the results occurred in the discussion phase. This study is the first to provide baseline data about clinical librarians in Australia. Results showed that clinical librarians in Australia perform many of the same activities as clinical librarians elsewhere. Literature searching, information skills training and information delivery are core activities. Communication skills were universally rated as essential. The role is library based and fits the model of a tailored reference outreach service. Participation in ward rounds was not common but journal clubs, grand rounds and clinical meetings were attended in order to interact with clinicians. The clinical librarians in this study had a strong belief in the advanced nature of their knowledge and skills, and this was more pronounced than in other international studies. The clinical librarian role lacks consensus within the library profession as to the defining function and features. This makes it hard to distinguish the position from other health librarian roles and to develop appropriate measures for skills and knowledge. Further areas for research include benchmarks and accreditation for expert searching and critical appraisal; scope of practice and avenues of collaboration of clinical librarians with other health information professionals such as informaticians; and partnerships with health consumers.

Doctors and nurses in most developing countries lack access to adequate health information, that is, the lifeblood for the delivery of quality health care services. This problem is further compounded by the fact that correct techniques and equipment are not applied to provide access to reliable health information. Based on previous literature, it is assumed that information should be managed in the same way capital, labour and human resources are managed so that healthcare providers and medical professionals should be able to have relevant information to assist then in their daily activities, to help them to learn, to diagnose and to save lives. Relevance and reliability are paramount in meeting health information needs. A number of studies have shown that the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the management of health information is a prerequisite to wider accessibility and availability of relevant health information. Health information management is the continuum of processes in managing health-related information. It is composed of the use of technologies (computers, hardware, software and telecommunication), personnel (trained information specialists), and the allocation of financial resources to achieve the major goals of the organisation such as a hospital. The aim is to collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate adequate health information to the right person, in the right form, at the right time. This study investigated the application of ICTs in the management of health information by medical professionals in six selected government hospitals in Yaounde, Cameroon. The basis of the study was that through the effective application of ICTs in the management of health information, relevant and timely information would be made available to medical professionals. It was the researcher's view that unless we understand the importance of information in the development of the health system, and apply the use of ICTs in its management, the delivery of health care services will constantly remain poor. Data was collected from six government hospitals in Yaounde through a self-administered questionnaire given to nurses and medical doctors. The data collected from 141 medical professionals [doctors and nurses] were presented, using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency distribution and percentage. The findings of the study revealed that medical professionals are dissatisfied with the major method of information exchange activities, that is, face-to-face interaction with colleagues. In addition, the study found that health information is captured, processed and stored manually. This is very detrimental to medical professionals, because relevant information is not always available when needed. The study found that the barriers to adequate information exchange activities were lack of information support services, irregular distribution of information and poor co-operation and collaboration among medical professionals. The study also revealed the non-availability of ICTs and Internet resources and lack of basic computer skills. Consequently, there is low utilisation of ICTs by medical professionals and limited information needs are being satisfied. Medical professionals unanimously favoured the application of Internet services or an electronic health information resource to supplement the current method of managing and accessing health information. Lack of training on the use of computers and Internet resources were the main factors that hinder the use of ICTs by medical professionals. The study concluded by calling on directors of hospitals, medical professionals and the Ministry of Health Officials to provide ICTs and Internet resources to medical professionals and provide them with basic computing skills and training. It further called for the recognition of information as an important resource for national development and called for formulation of a national information policy. With an information policy, information needs would be clearly defined and the provision of information services throughout the country would be regulated. In addition, medical professionals must create a free-flow of information and constant communication outlet to exchange and disseminate local health information. The high demand for basic training on the use of ICTs could be provided through in-service training or refresher courses.
Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

This study investigates, within the current health care situation, the interrelationship of the user, resources and tool in the design of a prototype WELLNESS database-driven web site. A shift has taken place in health care, in which the base of conventional medicine has broadened to integrate other systems, practices and worldviews. These include complementary and alternative medicine, health promotion, disease prevention and wellness. Emphasis is placed on the need to take personal responsibility for one's own health and wellness. The global burden of chronic disease, reaching epidemic proportions, is increasingly linked to risk factors resulting from personal lifestyle choices. The growing evidence of the user's need to make personal, informed, lifestyle choices and their reliance on the Web for health information, required investigation. WELLNESS, a specific orientation to health and wellness, formed the framework within which the user and resources were defined and the tool designed. The user was profiled as the WELLNESS health information seeker, hereby contributing significantly to an understanding of the user in this new context. The user profile informed the establishment of resource selection criteria and tool design. The identification of WELLNESS content selection criteria, within a five-dimensional model, was required to ensure quality, relevant and credible resources. The tool is comprised of the WELLNESS thesaurus and WELLNESS database-driven web site. The WELLNESS thesaurus was constructed based on a combination of relevant thesauri. It will be used as an indexing tool. An investigation of existing health information web sites highlighted the importance of designing a specific WELLNESS database-driven web site. A database host was identified against which the original study's conceptual schema was assessed. A low-fidelity prototype web site was designed as the interface between the WELLNESS health information seeker and the database of WELLNESS health information resources. This study has epidemiological, philosophical, epistemological, sociological and psychological relevance. The provision of access to WELLNESS health information resources, made available in the WELLNESS database-driven web site, for personal, informed lifestyle choice by the WELLNESS health information seeker could potentially contribute to the reduction of the global burden of chronic disease.
Information Science
D.Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)