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GHSLA Helps Author Book

In 2001, GHSLA members helped write part of a medical textbook. We shared our achievement with our peers via poster sessions at MLA 2001 in May and the MLA Triple Chapter Meeting in New Orleans in October, 2001. Below is the poster abstract from the first meeting.

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Background: The Chair of the Consumer Health Committee of the Georgia Health Sciences Library Association (GHSLA) was approached at a 1999 medical meeting by the co-editors of a “comprehensive reference book to clinicians of all levels … designed to educate the clinician in order to facilitate patient education.” Following this conversation, GHSLA committee members agreed to author the “final chapter” in Labus and Lauber’s PATIENT EDUCATION AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE published by W. B. Saunders Company in 2001.

Setting/Participants/Resources: Fifteen GHSLA members served on the committee: eight academic librarians from all four of Georgia’s medical schools (Emory University School of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Mercer University School of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine), four hospital librarians and three Area Health Education Center (AHEC) outreach librarians. They were assisted by non-member colleagues: Beth M. Westcott, MLS, Network Access Coordinator at the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Southeastern/Atlantic Region, located at the Health Sciences and Human Services Library at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD; Onnalee Henneberry, MS, Technical Information Specialist, CDC Information Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA; Kay McCall, Librarian, Nicholas Davies Community Health Library, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, GA; and Katherine L. Tucker, Technical Information Specialist, CDC Information Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.

Jan LaBeause, Beth Poisson, & Roxanne Nelson set up a poster about our book chapter at MLA 2001 in Orlando.

Brief Description: The librarians’ chapter (entitled "Resources Appendix") consists of resources (i.e., government agencies, institutes & health centers, national professional associations, non-profit organizations, support groups, newsgroups, e-mail discussion groups, Web sites) on each of the topics covered in the other chapters of the book: General Preventive Strategies, Alternative Medicine, Cultural Influences, Domestic Violence, Environmental Health & Sanitation, Epidemiology, Exercise, Clinical Genetics, Geriatrics, Safety Precautions In and Around the Home, Immunizations, Patient Education & Literacy, Nutrition Education in the Clinical Setting, Trauma, Health Planning & Illness Prevention for International Travel, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Cardiology, Bone & Joint Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Infectious Disease, Mental Health, Metabolic Conditions, Neoplastic Conditions, Neurologic Disease, and Substance Abuse. For each topic, committee members collaborated to produce a brief, quality-filtered list for each of three categories: 1. Organizations, Associations & Support Groups, 2. Government Agencies & Offices, and 3. Other Web Sites (i.e., sponsored by educational institutions or commercial enterprises). Complete contact information is included for each entry as well as a short annotation. An introduction to the chapter was also written which includes tips for evaluating resources and information, locating and joining electronic discussion groups, and using information brokers or personal search services in lieu of searching personally. The publisher has alerted readers to the chapter in promotional material on the back cover – "All diseases and disorders are cross-referenced to a 'Resources' appendix to facilitate further research."

Results/Outcomes/Evaluation Method(s): Each committee member is listed as a chapter author, and GHSLA received $10 per published page ($550). The project provided a unique opportunity for the librarians to use their expertise in locating quality information resources, and to be recognized as part of the health care team. In fact, the group has been asked to participate in a second edition of the handbook planned for 2006.

Ordering Information:

  • Title: PATIENT EDUCATION AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
  • Co-Editors: James Brox Labus, PA-C and Alison Ann Lauber, MD
  • Publisher: W. B. Saunders
  • Publication Date: March 16, 2001
  • ISBN: 0-7216-8437-8
  • Price: $39.95
  • Details: Pocket-sized (1.40" x 7.80" x 4.80") paperback, 808 pages
  • Publisher’s Description: Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Reference for clinicians, residents, and students. Addresses techniques and guidelines for providing effective patient education that will enhance practice style. Part 1 explores general prevention topics and part 2 discusses medical, surgical, and behavioral conditions. Includes lists and tables. Provides healthcare professionals with essential information needed to appropriately diagnose, treat, and prevent disease as well as educate their patients. PATIENT EDUCATION AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE provides clear, concise information to educate the clinician, who then educates the patient by addressing patients’ questions and concerns regarding their medical condition. It’s easy for practitioners to use and quickly retrieve vital information.

Last Update: July 2005
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© 2003 Georgia Health Science Library Association