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Fulfilling the promise: implementing IAIMS at Georgetown University.

Predictions are that the integration of multiple information systems of a medical center will change the way doctors work and practice medicine in the future. Several major steps must be taken by an institution to make this a reality. The IAIMS program sponsored by the NLM is designed to achieve integration of resources in the medical center environment. The purpose of the IAIMS project at Georgetown is to develop a medical decision support system by bringing together multiple sources of information that reside on disparate computers and different database systems. This immense and complex task is described in this paper from an organizational, academic and technical perspective. Georgetown is developing a Biotechnology and Biomedical Knowledge Network which includes several informational and clinical databases, a variety of scholar workstations, instruction on use of computers, a campus-wide network with local area network nodes and a modular approach to systems integration. The IAIMS project is spearheaded by the medical library which has enabled a broad body of medical center users to benefit directly from new, dynamic services.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Metropolis redux: the unique importance of library skills in informatics.

OBJECTIVES: The objective is to highlight the important role that librarians have in teaching within a successful medical informatics program. Librarians regularly utilize skills that, although not technology dependent, are essential to conducting computer-based research. The Metropolis analogy is used to introduce the part librarians play as informatics partners. Science fiction is a modern mythology that, beyond a technical exterior, has lasting value in its ability to reflect the human condition. The teaching of medical informatics, an intersection of technology and knowledge, is also most relevant when it transcends the operation of databases and systems. Librarians can teach students to understand, research, and utilize information beyond specific technologies. METHODS: A survey of twenty-six informatics programs was conducted during 2002, with specific emphasis on the role of the library service. RESULTS: The survey demonstrated that librarians currently do have a central role in informatics instruction, and that library-focused skills form a significant part of the curriculum in many of those programs. In addition, librarians have creative opportunities to enhance their involvement in informatics training. As a sample program in the study, the development of the informatics course at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is included. CONCLUSIONS: Medical informatics training is a wonderful opportunity for librarians to collaborate with professionals from the sciences and other information disciplines. Librarians' unique combination of human research and technology skills provides a valuable contribution to any program.

Education, Continuing↗

[Documentation in developing countries and related technological issues].

While bibliographical referencing and indexing services have risen to a high level of efficiency-thanks to computers and other technical innovations-the same cannot be said for documentation in the form of texts and charts. However early an order is placed, it can take weeks for the final stage of the process to be completed. If even in developed countries the process can be slow and costly, in developing countries it is affected by the same socioeconomic conditions that impede the provision of health services. In the latter countries wide variations are apparent in the numbers of libraries, collections and lending library systems, and in the accessibility of books and journals on health. For physicians and nurses at some remote locations the only source of information on discoveries and new ideas may be the advertising supplied to them by traveling medical salesmen. There are grounds for optimism, however. In these countries more and more important books and journals are being published in the health field. In Latin America a number of areas of national interaction have come into view which promise to grow into a true network of biomedical and health information.

Abstracting and Indexing↗

Performing continuous quality improvement for a digital health sciences library through an electronic mail analysis.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this prospective, cross-sectional study was to determine the user demographics of a digital health sciences library (DHSL), motives for use, the nature of users information requests, and success rate in finding answers. METHODS: The content of 500 consecutive electronic mail messages (e-mails) submitted to a DHSL were analyzed using a predetermined coding scheme. Data were entered into a database and frequency analysis was performed. RESULTS: The number of information requests from the 500 e-mail messages was 751. The largest sender category was patients and laypersons followed by students, then physicians. Motivations for use were primarily medical advice (42.8%) and patient care (13.8%). E-mail subject areas were mainly medical (61.8%) and technical (20.6%). Answers to information requests were found 54.3% of the time and senders felt the DHSL was valuable (97.8%). CONCLUSIONS: A DHSL is a valuable medical resource. DHSLs must serve the broad information needs of patients and laypersons in addition to health care providers. Developers and managers of DHSLs can use this information to guide future development of DHSL information content and services, as has been done at The University of Iowa.

Adult↗

Development of methodologic tools for planning and managing library services. IV. Bibliography of studies selected for methods and data useful to biomedical libraries.

This selective bibliography is intended to serve as a guide to empirical studies reporting data and methods that can be used by medical librarians to assess their own efforts objectively and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of services they offer. The decision rules that governed selection of items for the bibliography are specified in detail. A total of 178 items published between 1915 and mid-1968 met the selection criteria. The list of items is supplemented by a keyword index derived from titles. Half the items are journal articles; a third of these articles appeared in the Bulletin, and most of the remainder in thirteen other library and information science journals. Most of the non-journal items are technical reports issued by the organization that conducted or sponsored the work. The characteristics of this literature suggest that few medical libraries, unless they are part of a university system that includes the collection of a library or information science school, are likely to have quick access to the literature base needed to support a comprehensive program of self-evaluation studies and the continuing education of their own staff. Regional medical libraries might well undertake to ensure both ready access to, and awareness of, literature on the scientific aspects of librarianship.

Bibliographies as Topic↗

The Internet: will this highway serve the digital library?

The future of the biomedical enterprise and the biomedical libraries that serve it is tied closely to digital information. The changing nature of this type of information will create new pressures on libraries, particularly in health care organizations. Libraries must learn to deal with these pressures. Currently, libraries depend on the Internet primarily for connections to resources and other libraries; thus enhancements to the Internet will impact the libraries of the present and future significantly. This paper provides an overview of the technical capabilities that will be available in the near to midterm, what libraries will be able to do with those capabilities, and how libraries can position themselves to take advantage of the impending changes.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: A number of controversies exist in the laparoscopic treatment of colorectal cancer, and thus the technique has so far failed to gain widespread acceptance throughout the United Kingdom. This review aims to discuss these issues in the context of ongoing published trials, assessing both purported advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: The United States National Library of Medicine Medline database, and the Bath Information Data Service (BIDS) were searched using keywords related to laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. Recent surgical journals were also reviewed for relevant publications. Attempts have been made to quote only the most recent work from institutions with multiple publications using the same group of patients, in order to present the most coherent picture. The data are presented as randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled studies, and series comprising more than 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirms that laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery is technically feasible. In addition patients lose less blood, have less immunosuppression, and have shorter postoperative ileus, in-patient stay, and require less analgesia. However, concerns still remain as to the development of port-site metastases, the longer operating times, and the overall cost of the equipment. In view of these concerns, the place of laparoscopically assisted colorectal cancer surgery is likely to remain controversial for some years yet. Randomized, controlled trials are as yet too few to provide definitive answers to all these issues.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

GeneTests: an online genetic information resource for health care providers.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the GeneTests genetic testing information resource with a focus on the GeneReviews component. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The need for authoritative genetic testing information and issues in the development and maintenance of GeneReviews are discussed: Hampered by lack of currency and content deficits, traditional medical information resources such as textbooks and the published literature are generally inadequate sources of genetic testing information. Problems encountered in developing GeneReviews include the evolution of new authorship models and academic and genetics professionals' skepticism about the quality of Web-based publications. CONCLUSIONS: GeneTests is an authoritative, highly used, and well-regarded resource in the international medical community that is intended for health care providers. Future development issues to address include ways to (1) manage the increasing editing and updating load as content grows and (2) address technical and content issues that need to be considered in displaying GeneReviews as a "just in time" resource in the electronic medical record to achieve the project goal of integrating appropriate use of genetic testing into patient care.

Authorship↗

Scheduling: if your RIS cannot, perhaps your HIS can.

As the services radiology departments provide have proliferated--new modalities, additional procedures--the scheduling process has become more complex. Radiology departments have been criticized by referring physicians and their staff for difficulties they encounter when scheduling patients for procedures. In light of managed care and increased competition for outpatient services, scheduling systems should be designed with the referring physician's office as the prime customer. Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has devised a collaborative, hospital-wide system for scheduling. The same system is used by The Vanderbilt Clinics, which refer a significant number of outpatient procedures to VUMC. The radiology department has tailored the system to its technical requirements, and clinic staff members can access the system directly to schedule patient appointments. Minor adjustments were made during implementation of the process. Now, appointments are made efficiently by the clinic staff, and other systems, such as the film library, are benefiting from better information and organization. VUMC has changed the scheduling process of the radiology department to reach the customers who actually promote the radiology practice. Communication between the department and the clinics has improved and a spirit of teamwork is growing.

Appointments and Schedules↗

SDC experiences with large data bases.

SDC operates a large-data-base system that permits users all over the United States and in several foreign countries to search very large bibliographic files interactively, by means of a terminal and telephone connection. Developing extensive use of such systems requires not only technical considerations--such as proper selection and handling of data base elements--but also a massive educational effort, to help provide the large user community necessary to share the sizable costs of data base acquisition, file development, and storage. The growing acceptance of on-line retrieval services attests to the success of that effort, as well as to their inherent cost-effectiveness.

Computers↗

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine for Alzheimer's disease: a rapid and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and is characterised by an insidious onset and slow deterioration. The estimated prevalence of Alzheimer's disease for a standard health authority (500,000 people) is about 3330. Current service involves a wide range of agencies, and drug therapy for some patients. OBJECTIVES: To provide a rapid and systematic review of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine in the symptomatic treatment of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken. METHODS - DATA SOURCES: Searches were made of electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, National Research Register, Science Citation Index, BIOSIS, EconLit, MRC Trials database, Early Warning System, Current Controlled Trials, TOXLINE, Index of Scientific and Technical Proceedings, and Getting Easier Access to Reviews. All sources were searched over the period covered by the databases up to March/July 2000. Bibliographies of related papers were assessed for relevant studies and experts were contacted for advice and peer review, and to identify additional published and unpublished references. Manufacturer submissions to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) were reviewed. METHODS - STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) INTERVENTION: donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine used to treat Alzheimer's disease. (2) PARTICIPANTS: people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who meet the criteria for treatment with donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. (3) OUTCOMES: measures assessing changes in cognition, function, behaviour and mood, quality of life (including studies assessing carer well-being and carer-input), and time to institutionalisation. (4) DESIGN: systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and RCTs comparing donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine with placebo or each other or non-drug comparators were included in the review of effectiveness. Economic studies of donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine used to treat Alzheimer's disease that included a comparator (or placebo) and both the costs and consequence (outcomes) of treatment were included in the review of cost-effectiveness. Studies in non-English language, and abstracts and conference poster presentations of systematic reviews, RCTs and economic evaluations were excluded. Two reviewers identified studies by independently screening study titles and abstracts, and then by examining the full text of selected studies to decide inclusion. METHODS - DATA EXTRACTION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT: Data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer, with any disagreements resolved through discussion. The quality of RCTs was assessed using the Jadad scale and the quality of systematic reviews was assessed using criteria developed by the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. The quality of economic evaluation studies was assessed by their internal validity (i.e. the methods used) using a standard checklist, and external validity (i.e. the generalisability of the economic study to the population of interest) using a series of relevant questions. METHODS - DATA SYNTHESIS: The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine were synthesised through a narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies. In the economic evaluation, the reviewers assessed whether adjustments could be made to existing models to reflect the current situation in England and Wales. RESULTS - CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS: (1) Donepezil--three systematic reviews and five RCTs (plus four studies from industry (unpublished data, submitted as commercial in confidence)) were found. Results suggest that donepezil is beneficial when assessed using global and cognitive outcome measures. (2) Rivastigmine--three systematic reviews and five RCTs (plus two studies from industry (unpublished data, submitted as commercial in confidence)) were found. Results suggest that rivastigmine is beneficial in terms of global outcome measures. (3) Galantamine--one systematic review and three RCTs (plus three studies from industry (unpublished data, submitted as commercial in confidence)) were found. Results suggest that galantamine is beneficial in terms of global, cognitive and functional scales. RESULTS - SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: It is difficult to quantify benefits from the evidence available in the literature. Statistically significant improvements in tests such as ADAS-cog (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale) may not be reflected in changes in daily life. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Alzheimer Disease↗

The neurological information network of the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness.

The National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness (NINDB) has the responsibility of trying to alleviate the morbid and mortal effects of all the diseases of the nervous system and the special senses including speech, hearing, and vision. The information problem facing the NINDB is only a fraction of the total information problem of the biomedical community, but it is probably representative. The NINDB information audience has a core of about 19,000 persons, 10 percent of whom are nonclinical research scientists; 10 percent of whom are engaged in patient care, teaching, and some research; 12 percent in training (post doctoral); and 68 percent chiefly involved in the care of patients. In addition, there is an unknown number of other interested scientists. Fifty to eighty thousand journal articles, an unknown number of technical reports, and other items produced each year are potentially valuable to this group. The exact needs of each subgroup must be identified and ways developed to deliver the required information quickly, accurately, and in an easily useable form. NINDB has undertaken a large information program as a service to the biomedical community to help cope with these information problems. This program is to serve the needs of the practicing physician, the research scientist, and NINDB program analysis and planning. The Neurological Information Network is the core effort of the program.The Neurological Information Network envisions large units incorporating both information storage and retrieval and information analysis. These will be in universities with strong biomedical libraries where there are ongoing research programs in some area relevant to NINDB responsibilities. These units are to be integrated and will interact with each other and with the National Library of Medicine to avoid duplication of work. In addition to their own information analysis activities, the major documentation centers will be able to support information analysis satellites at other research centers where specific categorical research programs are underway.

Blindness↗

Health care and education: on the threshold of space.

The studies described herein represent some of the most sophisticated social and technical experiments ever attempted in education and health care delivery. It is hoped that the lessons learned from them will bring us much closer to the goal of providing good quality health care and education in areas that are away from metropolitan centers.

Alaska↗

Institutional constraints to building social science capability in public health research: a case study from Indonesia.

The promotion of social sciences capabilities in public health research in universities frequently encounters unexpected barriers. This paper argues that, in Indonesia, historic factors and institutional structures of public health research have created constraints to success in public health research and international technical assistance. Donors are often frustrated by apparent inconsistencies between agreed intentions and the subsequent behaviour of recipient colleagues, thus resulting in poor relations and failure of collaborative links. For social sciences to be integrated into public health research, assistance is needed in graduate education, library development, computerisation, and research methodology. Contributions in these areas may be ineffectual if they are not preceded or accompanied by efforts by recipients to reform or circumvent existing institutional weaknesses. Some important barriers to the development of research capabilities in Indonesia are beyond the control of individual faculties of public health, or even universities, and are affected by regulations and budgeting procedures of the National Department of Education and Culture, or the civil service administration. There are, however, changes that can be made at faculty or university level to encourage a more productive 'research culture' and promote linkages between the social and health sciences.

Humans↗

Toxic agent and radiation control: progress toward objectives for the nation for the year 1990.

In 1980, the Department of Health and Human Services set national prevention objectives for 1990 in 15 health priority areas, 1 of which is the control of toxic agents and radiation. Ten objectives related to this area are priorities for the national control effort. Progress is reviewed on those priorities within the responsibilities of the Public Health Service. Six key program elements, or types of support activities, are deemed essential to preventing, identifying, and controlling toxic agent and radiation threats. Significant progress has been made toward achieving objectives for which all key program elements have been successfully implemented to provide the requisite know-how, manpower, and tools. Important advances have been made in reducing the blood lead levels of the population, reducing unnecessary exposure to medical X-rays, evaluating the toxicities of chemicals in toxic waste dumps, and improving the scientific and technical information base and its availability for prevention and control efforts. The most important priority for the forseeable future will be to expand our knowledge of potential health risks posed by toxic agents and radiation. Expanded surveillance systems and data bases are essential to determining the extent of the problems in terms of human health effects and for measuring the impact of prevention programs. Emphasis on the activities embodied in the key elements will encourage the expansion of the knowledge base and its effective application to prevention and control problems.

Environmental Health↗

Blocking of pornography-seeking behavior in digital image libraries: adventures in the skin trade.

The escalating competition between online pornography - seeking and disseminating behaviors and technologies that attempt to reduce them creates technical, semantic and legal barriers to the legitimate discussion of and education about sensitive health issues involving sexuality, anatomy and pathology, especially when image-based knowledge is used. The effects of this competition on the use and management of an online dermatology atlas are described with a discussion on the importance of anticipating, addressing and controlling this problem while developing and maintaining image-based digital libraries and other e-Health applications.

Adult↗

Automated information retrieval in science and technology.

The rapid advances in computer and communication technology in the 1970's have enabled large interactive scientific and technical information retrieval systems to be implemented. Major search services today offer on-line access to millions of bibliographic citations and an increasing number of "electronic handbooks." In addition, development of knowledge bases is well under way. Despite the impressive speed and flexibility of interactive retrieval systems, their impact has been lessened by limited awareness of their existence, uneven quality of retrieval, inadequate linkages among data bases, and reliance on specially trained intermediaries.

Computers↗

Using buzz marketing to promote ideas, services, and products.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) discuss buzz marketing, contrast it with traditional forms of promotional communications, and provide guidelines for use and (2) describe a successful buzz-marketing program used by Sentara Healthcare to decrease overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotic medications. DATA SOURCES: An English-language-only literature search of ABI Inform, Lexus-Nexus, InfoTrac, and university library databases from 1980 to the present using the keywords buzz, word of mouth, opinion leader, and thought leader. Articles and books were cross referenced for other works of interest. STUDY SELECTION: Performed by the author for their contribution to an exploratory analysis of this topic. DATA EXTRACTION: Performed by the author. DATA SYNTHESIS: Buzz marketing is an indirect communications method that has been used successfully in the promotion of a wide variety of products, services, and ideas. By identifying and cultivating nonmedia opinion leaders, the technique generates word-of-mouth communications between these early adopters of products and services and the early and late majority of people who tend to follow their lead. Opinion leaders can be categorized as ordinary or extraordinary, technical or social, and specialist or generalist, depending on the nature of their communications, expertise, and range of knowledge. Buzz marketing is most useful for ideas that are memorable, produce small changes in behavior that have big effects over time, and have the potential to reach a "tipping point" in terms of momentum among a target population. Pharmacists can use buzz marketing for promoting innovative services such as pharmaceutical care. A case study is presented on the use of buzz marketing by a health system for decreasing antibiotic resistance through lessening of public demand for antibiotics and support of physicians in prescribing the agents appropriately. CONCLUSION: Buzz marketing is a potent force in the promotion of pharmaceuticals and can be used by pharmacists. It works best when patients perceive the benefits of innovations. Providing samples and demonstrations of the innovation will foster positive perceptions. Innovations also spread better when they are compatible with the needs, desires, and preferences of individuals and can be adapted to the unique situation of the adopter.

Advertising↗