Providing consumer health information through institutional collaboration

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences Librarianship
• Consumer Health Information Services

Background:

• Growing demand for consumer health information noted.
• Debate exists regarding resource allocation for public health information services versus health professional services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center Library's initiatives in providing consumer health information.
• To demonstrate the value of library expertise in enhancing public access to health information.

Main Methods:

• Assisted with inventory and management of patient education materials.
• Participated in a community health promotion task force.
• Collaborated on planning a consumer health information center.
• Established a dedicated consumer health information reference section.
• Secured a grant for a networked health information system for local libraries.

Main Results:

• Expanded library services to meet consumer health information needs.
• Integrated library expertise with health professionals and patient educators.
• Developed a networked health information system accessible to the community.

Conclusions:

• Library staff expertise is crucial for effective consumer health information services.
• Collaborative efforts enhance the reach and impact of health information dissemination.
• Combining professional expertise with information management skills benefits consumers.