Design and implementation of an Internet-based health information resource

Area of Science:

• Health Communication
• Digital Health Libraries
• Community Health Education

Background:

• Academic institutions have a mission to serve their communities.
• Providing accessible health information is crucial for public health.
• The internet offers a powerful platform for disseminating health knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the creation and implementation of a digital health information resource.
• To outline the philosophy and design of MCW HealthLink.
• To highlight the integration of web and email components for enhanced user utility.

Main Methods:

• Development of an Internet-based digital library named MCW HealthLink.
• Content delivery through a World Wide Web site.
• Information dissemination via an integrated e-mail newsletter.

Main Results:

• MCW HealthLink provides health news and information to patients, families, and the community.
• The resource utilizes both a website and an e-mail newsletter for information delivery.
• Integration of web and e-mail components maximizes resource utility.

Conclusions:

• MCW HealthLink successfully supports the institution's community service mission.
• The digital library provides valuable health information to a broad audience.
• Future development aims to personalize health information resources for individual readers.