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| Long Range Plan 2000-2005 | |
Printer-friendly VersionGOAL 2 - PROMOTE USE OF HEALTH INFORMATION BY
HEALTH
PROFESSIONALS AND THE PUBLICOBJECTIVE
2.2 -
INCREASE
AWARENESS AND USE OF NLM SERVICES AMONG THE PUBLIC
FINDINGS
Starting in 1998, NLM has undertaken new initiatives specifically devoted to addressing the health information needs of the public. These projects build on long experience with addressing the needs of health professionals and on targeted efforts aimed at making consumers aware of medical resources, particularly in the HIV/AIDS area. For years, NLM has supported the use of electronic information resources by community-based organizations working directly with HIV affected individuals. A survey early in 1998 showed that about one-third of all PubMed/ MED -LINE searches are done by the public.
To serve these new users more effectively, in 1998, NLM launched the MedlinePlus web site, which provides access to a rich array of full-text consumer health information on major diseases and conditions in addition to pre-formulated MEDLINE searches. MedlinePlus was the centerpiece of a pilot project in which NLM worked through the NN/LM with 40 public library systems of various sizes (more than 200 libraries in all) to train public librarians to use the Internet to find reliable health information for their patrons. MedlinePlus is being improved based on user feedback, advice from expert advisory panels, and usability testing. NLM is also working to create an easy-to-use database containing information about clinical trials (both Federal and non-Federal) for experimental treatments for serious diseases and conditions. Drawing on lessons learned in the public library pilot test, the Library is working through the NN/LM to support outreach projects that will involve health sciences, public, and state libraries, local health professional associations, public health departments, schools, and community-based organizations, including churches, in improving the public’s access to high quality health information and reducing health disparities.
PROGRAM PLANS
CONTENT
- Place a major emphasis on health information for the public, including health professionals who are seeking information outside their specialties or for their patients. Serve as a primary source for reliable, authenticated, recorded, and documented information and knowledge resources, integrating content prepared by many different Federal agencies, voluntary health organizations and others.
- Collaborate with Federal agencies, voluntary health organizations, and others to identify gaps and arrange for development of understandable content for the public, including health information specially geared to the needs of children, adolescents, and seniors.
- Develop easy-to-use access and delivery mechanisms that promote the public’s understanding of health information resources. These should be sensitive to cultural diversity issues, educational level, and language (e.g., Spanish). Draw upon UMLS research and development and continuing advances in multimedia and graphics technologies.
- Produce historical exhibits and related programs that promote understanding of science, medicine, and health and highlight NLM’s collections and services.
ACCESS
- Expand outreach to patients and the public as recently approved by the NLM Board of Regents:
- Publicize relevant and reliable electronic health information services, including those available from NLM and other sources .
- Assist those providing health information to the public to make effective use of electronic services through Internet connections, training, and other means, with an emphasis on those serving minority groups, low income populations, seniors.
- Promote integration of NLM services with other electronic services covering regional, state, or local health information.
- Refer members of the public to regional, state, and local libraries and continue to serve as the national backup.
- Establish partnerships for helping and training the public to seek, evaluate, and use reliable information sources.
Last updated: 18 March 2001
First published: 18 March 2001
Metadata| Permanence level: Permanent: Stable Content