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Health library for patients in general practice.
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|February 18, 1984
Summary
A health lending library in a general practice saw high usage, with most patients finding the resources beneficial for learning and health prevention. The library serves as a valuable primary care tool.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care
- Health Education
- Information Science
Background:
- Patient education is crucial in primary care settings.
- Access to reliable health information can empower patients.
- Health lending libraries offer a unique approach to patient engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and evaluate the utilization of a health lending library in a suburban general practice.
- To assess the impact of the library on patient learning and health awareness.
Main Methods:
- A health lending library was established in a general practice waiting room.
- The library contained 413 books and 35 audio tapes on health topics.
- Borrowing data and reader feedback were collected and analyzed over the first year.
Main Results:
- The library recorded 703 borrowings in its first year, primarily books.
- Borrowers represented diverse social and educational backgrounds, with a predominance of women.
- Most borrowings were opportunistic, and readers reported learning and finding the resources useful.
Conclusions:
- A health lending library is a valuable and effective tool in primary care.
- Such libraries can significantly contribute to patient health education and preventive care.
- The accessibility of health information through libraries supports informed patient decision-making.