Cancer resource center: a setting for patient empowerment

Access to information can play a crucial role in enabling patients and families to cope effectively with the complexities of cancer. A cancer resource center providing medical information in a supportive environment can empower patients to become familiar with medical terminology, increase their understanding of proposed treatments, and develop the confidence to become active participants in their healthcare. The oncology nurse and medical librarian responsible for the development and implementation of a cancer resource center describe the needs assessment, facility planning, development of the collection and services, evaluation, and continued improvement of the library.