Repackaging of Health Information (module 6.3)

Objectives Review the concept of repacking information for the health sector Note key variables for successful repackaging projects Discuss some examples of repackaging projects in the electronic age Develop some options for the repackaging of HINARI based information

Repackaging “The information service selects appropriate materials, reprocessing the information in a form that can be readily understood and arranging all these materials in a way that is appropriate to the user.” Stilwell, Christine. Repackaging Information: a review. 1999 www.hs.unp.ac.za/infs/kiad/04stilw.doc

Overview Repackaging is not a new concept for library and information work parallel to abstracting and indexing work, selective dissemination of information, bulletins and current awareness services The effectiveness of a library is based on the extent that material is used, not on the volume of physical objects held.

Developing country context Information contained in scientific and technical journals/research reports is in languages which make them inappropriate for use by most people Even when the language is appropriate (e.g. Swahili), there are other language barriers and format considerations especially if it is not the predominant ‘education language’ for health. Print-related concept of the library is limited in institutions when funds for print materials are in short supply, and a book culture is only partially developed

Current Electronic Age ‘Information revolution’ parallels the ‘green revolution’ need a package of resources for success - seed, fertilizer, water, roads, market, etc. For successful implementation, the ‘Information revolution’ package must include hardware and a telecommunications infrastructure that is reliable and cost-effective reliable supply of electricity free, legal and relevant information ranging from primary care resources to research outputs (e.g. HINARI, Essential Health Links) training for health professionals to be able to identify, filter, evaluate and use health-related information (e.g. HINARI workshops and online courses)

Key steps Study of potential users, selection of primary information sources and the evaluation of the information content Analysis of the content to permit restructuring (condensing, rewriting, translating, etc.) and packaging or repackaging of information Diffusion, or dissemination of the packages accompanied by feedback from users evaluation and adjustment of the material

Stakeholders Stakeholder involvement is essential for the appropriate formats into which the information would be repackaged the channels through which it would be disseminated Since information is not static, any repackaging program would need to assess changes and provide a service accordingly

Design issues include simple and clear presentation of the information; test the information for readability use short sentences, generally less than about 25 words use everyday alternatives for specialized vocabulary give concrete and specific examples when possible include boxed introductory and end summary statements (e.g. bulleted lists)

Repackaging and e-resources “The repackaging process also depends on the availability of material, the information content, to repackage. This content can be derived from published material, data from research institutes and government statistical services (and) from electronic information acquired from online services” Sturges, P. and G. Chimseu. 1996. Information repackaging in Malawi. African journal of library, archives and information science 6(2): 87

Potential Resources For effective use of resources the information materials should be collected and organized efficiently the material should be searchable in order to create new information packages new products should be disseminated freely Does HINARI have these options?

Repackaging Examples – 2004/2006 AHILA Congresses a seven-country project that publishes health information digests for rural healthcare workers using repackaged Internet-based material; best examples from Uganda and Zimbabwe use of ‘store and forward’ email as a tool for the dissemination of health information in rural Mozambique – Ministry of Health

Repackaging examples (2) Kenya Medical Research Institute is repackaging HIV/AIDS information into newsletters for the business, rural and marginalized settings In Malawi, use of ‘World Space’ radio channel to deliver health information to rural health workers after the pilot project, being expanded to include other countries in the Southern African region Forum of African Medical Editors (FAME) is discussing role of journal editors in repackaging health information are developing strategies for various audiences includes producing medical digests and mass media

Exercise What material from HINARI would you consider for repackaging? Who would be your potential audiences? How would you involve the stakeholders? What means of delivery would you use? Who would you need to collaborate with to develop this repackaging plan?

This is the end of Module 5.3 Updated 08 2008