MEDLINEplus: Your Gateway to Consumer Health Information on the Web
Objectives Understand criteria for evaluating web resources Identify quality resources for answering health questions Search MEDLINEplus for authoritative health information Learn about the content and features of other NLM databases Incorporate tips for effective training
Consumer Health Information Any information that enables individuals to understand their health and make health-related decisions for themselves and their families Source: Patrick and Koss, CHI White Paper, 1995
CAPHIS Definition Information on health and medical topics provided in response to requests from the general public, including patients and their families. In addition to information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of disease, CHI encompasses information on health promotion, preventive medicine, the determinants of health and accessing the health care system. Source: The Librarian’s Role in the Provision of Consumer Health Information and Patient Education - CAPHIS, 1996
Health Information on the Web Diseases & Conditions Medications Tests & Procedures Medical Research Health Care Providers Advocacy & Support Groups
Quality Matters Accurate Current Relevant Evidence-based Free of bias Reliable Understandable
MEDLINEplus Historical Overview October health topics 116,000 hits October health topics Drug information Clinical Trials MEDLINE searches Illustrated medical encyclopedia 2 million hits per month
"We nearly decided not to bother listing any other sites after spending a few hours with the remarkably well-edited MEDLINEplus, a service of the National Library of Medicine.” Craig Stolz “Healthy Web Sites for Seniors" Washington Post Health Section July 18, 2000
MEDLINEplus Features User friendly source Health information for patients and the public Quality filtered Credible sources Links to MEDLINE searches
MEDLINEplus Selection Guidelines Quality Authority Accuracy Educational purpose Consistently available Accessible
MEDLINEplus Resources Health Topics Drug Information Dictionaries Medical Encyclopedia Doctors/Dentists Hospitals Organizations MEDLINE Databases Publications/News Libraries
MEDLINEplus Options Choose a topic by letter – High Blood Pressure Choose a topic by category –Infections Use the search box –Sickle Cell Anemia
MEDLINEplus Demo
Online Help Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) MEDLINEplus TOURMEDLINEplus TOUR
Hands-On Exercises
MEDLINEplus: Your Gateway to Consumer Health Information on the Web Part 2
MEDLINEplus ClinicalTrials.gov DIRLINE MEDLINE LOCATORplus NLM Gateway TOXNET Overview of NLM Databases
ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov Features Information about clinical research studies 5,000 NIH clinical studies Multiple sources Browse by condition or sponsor Excellent user’s guide
DIRLINE
DIRLINE Features Directory of Information Resources Online National, international, federal and state organizations Health focus Location, description and contact information
PubMed
PubMed Features User-friendly search engine for MEDLINE NLM’s database of references to articles Links to selected free articles Many include summaries Most articles are written for the health care professional
LOCATORplus
LOCATORplus Features National Library of Medicine online catalog Books, journals, audiovisuals Search by keyword, title, author, MeSH term or call number Quick Start Tutorial & Advanced Search Tutorial
NLM Gateway
Gateway Features Newest NLM resource Novice NLM searchers Simultaneous searches in multiple retrieval systems Databases, databanks, catalog Meeting abstracts
TOXNET
TOXNET Features Toxicology and environmental health information Special Topics Toxicology Tutors
Tools for Librarians HEALTHINFOQUEST Consumer Health: an Online Manual
HEALTHINFOQUEST Web Tutorial Pathfinders Authoritative resources Traditional and alternative medicine Designed for public librarians
Consumer Health: An Online Manual Planning a library Collection development Health literacy Readability analysis Materials for special populations Hot topics fact sheets
Guides for Consumers National Library of Medicine Guide to Finding Health InformationNational Library of Medicine Guide to Finding Health Information –National Library of Medicine How to research a medical topic online - Consumer Reports on Health
Tips for Trainers Assess Decide Allocate Prepare Present Evaluate
Assess Your Audience Computer competence Web experience Needs and interests Language and literacy
Focus Your Teaching General health sources MEDLINEplus Specific health topics Diseases Drug information Tests and procedures
Allocate Your Time Lecture Demonstration Hands-on Exercises Questions Discussion
Prepare the Content Identify three to five objectives Locate resources Review web sites thoroughly Address quality issues Design/locate/copy handouts
Present the Class Introduce the topic Demonstrate the resources Let them search Answer questions Review and reinforce
Evaluate Include an evaluation form Incorporate suggestions and observations Revise Re-evaluate
Training Resources National Library of Medicine National Network of Libraries of MedicineNational Network of Libraries of Medicine National Online Training Center
National Library of Medicine
National Network of Libraries of Medicine
National Online Training Center
MEDLINEplus Good information is the best medicine. Depend on reliable sources Use current information Make treatment decisions with your physician Your Information Prescription