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Biomedical subjects

D S Ginn

Publications and source records attributed to D S Ginn.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Integration of information-seeking skills and activities into a problem-based curriculum.

Recent trends in medical education include a shift from the traditional, didactic, lecture-oriented approach to a more student-driven, problem-based approach to learning. This trend provides librarians with an opportunity to develop programs to teach information-gathering skills that support and are integrated into problem-based learning (PBL). In 1992, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine implemented the initial phase of a curriculum revision that emphasizes PBL. Since that time, Falk Library of the Health Sciences has provided a large-scale, intensive program integrating information-seeking skills and activities into the first-year Patient-Doctor Relationship course, a sequence that initiates medical school. A multimodal approach to information seeking and sources is emphasized, utilizing print and audiovisual materials, computerized resources, and subject experts. The Falk Library program emphasizes the gathering and use of information as central to both PBL and student skills development. An informal, post-course evaluation was conducted to gauge which information resources were used and valued most by students. This article presents evaluation results, including data on the use of information sources and services, and student perceptions of the librarian's role in the PBL sessions.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1993

Quality filtering of the clinical literature by librarians and physicians.

A study was conducted at the University of Pittsburgh to determine the effectiveness of the selection process by clinical medical librarians and to identify the criteria used by librarians and physicians to select relevant articles. The study analyzed the similarity between librarian and physician selections, the decision-making processes used by librarians and physicians, and the utility of librarian selections versus those of physicians. No significant difference in utility between librarian and physician selection was found, suggesting that librarians can recognize and select useful articles as effectively as physicians. Both librarians and physicians based selection decisions primarily on article title, abstract, and journal title. Librarians were more likely to focus on Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) descriptors, while physicians focused on clinical applicability or similarity to a specific case. Journal selection data indicate that the principle internal medicine journals were the most frequently selected sources. The study demonstrates that librarians can effectively serve a quality filtering function in the clinical environment, and they should consider extending quality filtering activities to other arenas.

Humans↗
PubMed1989

A strategy for curriculum integration of information skills instruction.

The ever increasing need of health professionals for information and the inclusion of active learning experiences in the medical school curriculum require that students learn the effective use of health information tools. Curriculum integration is gaining acceptance as an effective approach to teaching information skills in this setting. At the University of Miami School of Medicine, information skills components taught by library faculty are integrated into the Freshman Orientation Program and two sophomore curriculum courses. Beginning with a core set of skills and basic information management tools, more complex and subject-specific skills are introduced sequentially throughout the basic sciences curriculum. During the first two years, a wide range of information skills are taught, and students receive many opportunities to seek and identify information using both printed sources and computerized bibliographic databases. This paper describes how curriculum integration of information skills instruction was achieved and the many benefits of this approach. Included are a description of the information skills components, evaluation data, and future plans.

Computer Systems↗
PubMed1987

Evolution of an end-user training program.

The University of Illinois at Chicago Library of the Health Sciences has taught end-user classes on the MEDLARS system since early 1985. Registration, class composition, and, most importantly, class organization evolved continuously during the first year of operation. Several feedback mechanisms were used. An examination of the past training and specialization of participants helped to determine teaching examples and pace; a more varied group of participants necessitated a broader range of examples and increased explanations. Participant evaluation forms and oral comments helped define scheduling, agenda, and the need for additional equipment and practice time. Further evaluation will center on the searching done by the program's alumni.

Computer User Training↗
PubMed1987

The AIDS information crisis: confluence of the roles of information creator, seeker, and provider.

The dramatic increase in the number of cases and deaths from AIDS since 1981 has been accompanied by an information explosion on the topic. The government, health professionals, service organizations, consumers, and the media are each vital links in both formal and informal AIDS information networks. New information sources and systems have emerged from these five sectors, and their roles as information creators, seekers, and providers have come together. The need for integrative or synthesizing databases and systems which reflect the sectors' interdependence and acknowledge their roles in the information process is discussed. Databases and systems which reflect a multi-sector approach, such as the Computerized AIDS Information Network (CAIN), are suggested as potential solutions to the AIDS information problem.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗