The Value of Library and Information Services in Patient Care: Canadian Results From an International Multisite Study

Introduction: This paper presents the Canadian results from a larger, international study with the objective of assessing the value of health library and information services and their impact on patient care. Methods: Data were collected using a web-based survey of healthcare providers in 13 Canadian hospitals collectively served by four libraries, and data were analyzed statistically using SPSS. The survey centred on a specific, recent, patient care incident for which the respondent had sought information. Follow-up semi-structured phone interviews with librarians at the participating sites provided supplemental data. Results: Twelve hundred and thirty-one people from the Canadian sites responded to the survey. Over 70% indicated that their management of the clinical situation changed as a result of the information. Positive changes included advice given to patient or family (48%), choice of drugs (31%), and choice of treatment (30%); adverse events that were avoided included patient misunderstanding of disease (23%), additional tests or procedures (18%), and patient mortality (5%). Results also showed which information resources were used and from where they were accessed. The information resources were valued as much, if not more, than other sources of information such as laboratory reports or medical records. Discussion: The results showed that participants perceive health library and information services to be highly valued and reported that their use has a positive impact on a range of patient care outcomes. They also highlighted the preferred information resources and access points among different groups of health professionals.

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Measuring the use of students of the Department of Information Studies for social networks ... Section page on Facebook, model

ARID International Journal of Informetrics ◽

10.36772/arid.aijisc.2022.343 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 73-114

Author(s):

حنان الصادق بيزان

Keyword(s):

Social Networking ◽

Social Networking Sites ◽

Information Services ◽

Information Resources ◽

Web Pages ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Information Studies ◽

Students Attitudes ◽

Fast Access ◽

The Web

Social networking is one of the most recently used technologies because of its advantages, spread and interaction. It is one of the most prominent applications of the second generation Web 2.0, which has effectively imposed itself on the users of the internet. Facebook network comes second after search engine at the global level, "Google". It is noted that they are highly efficient in providing information services and representation of information institutions and facilities in the virtual world. it is agreed that the progress of the societies is measured according to their ability to free and fast access to information and to use it to generate knowledge that reaches wisdom, progress and excellence. At this point, the importance of studies of information is shown in general and Webometrics in particular, which means that the set of statistical methods and measurements used to study the quantitative and qualitative aspects of information resources, structures, uses and techniques on the web, is found to be bibliometric studies designed to study and analyze reference citations, can be applied to the information resources available on the web such as the links of web pages and the use of those sites. Therefore, the study aims to monitor students' attitudes towards the use of social networking sites in general, and the Facebook page of the department of information studies of the Libyan Academy particularly. To identify the view of the students of the information management division and the management of the archive to their identify satisfaction with the information services provided by the page, and the extent of knowledge of the links of electronic sources of information, and the extent to meet their needs and scientific desires, and to what extent related to academic and research interests.

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Hospital Libraries Have a Positive Impact on Clinical Decision Making and Patient Care

Evidence Based Library and Information Practice ◽

10.18438/b8501p ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. 104 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Martha I. Preddie

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Patient Care ◽

Sample Size ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

The Impact

A review of: Marshall, Joanne Gard. “The Impact of the Hospital Library on Clinical Decision Making: the Rochester Study.” Bulletin of the Medical Library Association 80.2 (1992): 169-78. Objective – To determine the impact of hospital library services on clinical decision making. Design – A descriptive survey. Setting – Fifteen hospitals in the Rochester area of New York, United States of America. Seven hospitals were in the city of Rochester, and eight were in surrounding rural communities. Subjects – Active physicians and residents affiliated with the Rochester hospitals. Methods – This study built upon the methodology used in an earlier study by D. N. King of the contribution of hospital libraries to clinical care in Chicago. Lists were compiled of all the active physicians and residents who were affiliated with the Rochester hospitals. In order to ensure that there was a reasonable number of participants from each hospital, and that librarians in hospitals with larger numbers of staff were not overburdened with requests, predetermined percentages were set for the sample: 10% of active physicians from hospitals with more than 25 medical staff members, 30% from hospitals with less staff, and 30% of residents and rural physicians. This resulted in a desirable sample size of 448. A systematic sample with a random start was then drawn from each hospital’s list, and physicians and residents were recruited until the sample size was achieved. Participants were asked to request information related to a clinical case from their hospital library, and to evaluate its impact on patient care, by responding to a two-page questionnaire. Main results – Based on usable questionnaires, there was an overall response rate of 46.4% (208 of 448). Eighty percent of the respondents stated that they probably (48%) or definitely (32.4%) handled a clinical situation differently due to the information received from the library. In terms of the specific aspects of care for which changes were made, 71.6% reported a change in advice given to the patient, 59.6% cited a change in treatment, 50.5% a change in diagnostic tests, 45.2% a change in drugs, and 38.5% a change in post-hospital care or treatment. Physicians credited the information provided by the library as contributing to their ability to avoid additional tests and procedures (49%), additional outpatient visits (26.4%), surgery (21.2%), patient mortality (19.2%), hospital admission (11.5%), and hospital-acquired infections (8.2%). In response to a question about the importance of several sources of information, the library received the highest rating amidst other sources including lab tests, diagnostic imaging, and discussions with colleagues. Conclusion – This study validates earlier research findings that physicians view the information provided by hospital libraries as having a significant impact on clinical decision making. Library supplied information influences changes to specific aspects of care as well as the avoidance of adverse events for patients. The significance of this influence is underscored by the finding that relative to other sources, information obtained from the hospital library was rated more highly.

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Experiences and impact of international medical volunteering: a multi-country mixed methods study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041599 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e041599 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mary McCauley ◽

Joanna Raven ◽

Nynke van den Broek

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Online Survey ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

International Medical ◽

Middle Income ◽

Use Of Resources ◽

The Uk ◽

Medical Volunteers ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveTo assess the experience and impact of medical volunteers who facilitated training workshops for healthcare providers in maternal and newborn emergency care in 13 countries.SettingsBangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, UK and Zimbabwe.ParticipantsMedical volunteers from the UK (n=162) and from low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) (n=138).Outcome measuresExpectations, experience, views, personal and professional impact of the experience of volunteering on medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC.ResultsUK-based medical volunteers (n=38) were interviewed using focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=26). 262 volunteers (UK-based n=124 (47.3%), and LMIC-based n=138 (52.7%)) responded to the online survey (62% response rate), covering 506 volunteering episodes. UK-based medical volunteers were motivated by altruism, and perceived volunteering as a valuable opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teaching and communication, skills reported to be transferable to their home workplace. Medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC (n=244) reported increased confidence (98%, n=239); improved teamwork (95%, n=232); strengthened leadership skills (90%, n=220); and reported that volunteering had a positive impact for the host country (96%, n=234) and healthcare providers trained (99%, n=241); formed sustainable partnerships (97%, n=237); promoted multidisciplinary team working (98%, n=239); and was a good use of resources (98%, n=239). Medical volunteers based in LMIC reported higher satisfaction scores than those from the UK with regards to impact on personal and professional development.ConclusionHealthcare providers from the UK and LMIC are highly motivated to volunteer to increase local healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in low-resource settings. Further research is necessary to understand the experiences of local partners and communities regarding how the impact of international medical volunteering can be mutually beneficial and sustainable with measurable outcomes.

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74 Improving Handover Between Doctors and Nurses on An Elderly Care Ward

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afab030.35 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. i12-i42

Author(s):

K Suseeharan ◽

T Vedutla

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Patient Care ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Elderly Care ◽

Task Completion ◽

Risk Area ◽

High Risk Area ◽

Staff Members ◽

Care Ward ◽

Doctors And Nurses

Abstract Background The Royal College of Physician guidelines (2011) identified handover as a “high risk step” in patient care, especially in recent times within the NHS where shift patterns lead to more disjointed care with a high reliance on effective handover by all staff members. Introduction At Cannock Chase hospital, Fairoak ward is an elderly care rehabilitation ward where there is a large multi-disciplinary team. While working on the ward as doctors we noticed that handover between the MDT was poor. Anecdotal evidence from both doctors and nurses felt that this was a high risk area in need of improvement. Aim to improve handover between doctors and nurses on this elderly care ward. Method To measure the quality of current handover practice we did a questionnaire. A total of 12 questionnaires were completed which showed that 92% of staff felt that handover on the ward was very poor and 50% preferred both written and verbal handover. We measured the number of tasks verbally handed over between doctors and nurses over 3 days. On average 65% of the tasks were completed. We then made the below interventions and re-audited to see if there was any improvement. Interventions over 3 week period: Results Questionnaire: Measuring task completion after interventions; Conclusion This project has made a positive change qualitatively and quantitatively to the ward handover practice. Staff satisfaction regarding handover has improved and the number of “handed over” tasks completed daily has significantly improved. The written handover sheet had poor utilisation by staff but in 4 months we are going to re-audit and trial the handover sheet again to further improve service delivery. We hope this improvement will have a positive impact on patient care on this elderly care ward.

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Best Practices in Specialized Amyloidosis Centers in the United States: A Survey of Cardiologists, Nurses, Patients, and Patient Advocates

Clinical Medicine Insights Cardiology ◽

10.1177/11795468211015230 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

pp. 117954682110152

Author(s):

Jose Nativi-Nicolau ◽

Nitasha Sarswat ◽

Johana Fajardo ◽

Muriel Finkel ◽

Younos Abdulsattar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Patient Care ◽

Nurse Practitioners ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Multidisciplinary Care ◽

The United States ◽

Comprehensive Care ◽

Patient Support ◽

Patient Support Group ◽

Patient Advocates

Background: Because transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, referral of patients with known or suspected disease to specialized amyloidosis centers is recommended. These centers have developed strategic practices to provide multidisciplinary comprehensive care, but their best practices have not yet been well studied as a group. Methods: A qualitative survey was conducted by telephone/email from October 2019 to February 2020 among eligible healthcare providers with experience in the management of ATTR-CM at US amyloidosis centers, patients with ATTR-CM treated at amyloidosis centers, and patient advocates from amyloidosis patient support groups. Results: Fifteen cardiologists and 9 nurse practitioners/nurses from 15 selected amyloidosis centers participated in the survey, with 16 patients and 4 patient advocates. Among participating healthcare providers, the most frequently cited center best practices were diagnostic capability, multidisciplinary care, and time spent on patient care; the greatest challenges involved coordination of patient care. Patients described the “ideal” amyloidosis program as one that provides physicians with expertise in ATTR-CM, sufficient time with patients, comprehensive patient care, and opportunities to participate in research/clinical trials. The majority of centers host patient support group meetings, and patient advocacy groups provide support for centers with physician/patient education and research. Conclusions: Amyloidosis centers offer comprehensive care based on staff expertise in ATTR-CM, a multidisciplinary approach, advanced diagnostics, and time dedicated to patient care and education. Raising awareness of amyloidosis centers’ best practices among healthcare providers can reinforce the benefits of early referral and comprehensive care for patients with ATTR-CM.

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179 Evaluating a Clinical Pharmacist Service in a Residential Care Unit

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afz102.40 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. iii1-iii16

Author(s):

Claire Kavanagh ◽

Eimear O'Dwyer ◽

Róisín Purcell ◽

Niamh McMahon ◽

Morgan Crowe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Safety ◽

Patient Care ◽

Patient Outcomes ◽

Residential Care ◽

Clinical Pharmacist ◽

Comparative Evaluation ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Pharmacist Interventions ◽

Medication Reviews

Abstract Background This study assessed the pharmacist role in an 80 bed residential care unit by: Quantifying the number and type of pharmacist interventions made and their acceptance rate.Assessing impact of pharmacist interventions on patient care.Assessing staff attitudes towards the clinical pharmacist service. Methods This was a non-blinded, non-comparative evaluation of the existing clinical pharmacist service in the unit. All residents were included. All pharmacist interventions over a 10-week period were recorded, then graded according to the Eadon scale1 by a consultant gerontologist and an experienced pharmacist to assess their impact on patient care. Results There were 615 pharmacist interventions. The most common interventions were: Drug Therapy Review, 34% (n=209) Technical Prescription, 26.5% (n=163) Administration, 15.3% (n=94) Drug Interaction, 10.4% (n=64) Medication Reconciliation, 8.5% (n=52) 98% (n=596) of interventions were rated as having significance to patient care, of which: 48.4% (n=298) and 41.8% (n=257) of the interventions rated as ‘significant and resulting in an improvement in the standard of care’1% (n=6) and 0.5% (n=3) rated as ‘very significant and preventing harm’. There was a statistically significant agreement between the evaluators, κw = 0.231 (95% CI, 0.156 to 0.307), p < .0005. The strength of agreement was fair. Of interventions requiring acceptance by medical team (n=335), 89.9% (n=301) were accepted. 95% (n=36) of staff who responded agreed or strongly agreed that improved patient safety resulted from the pharmacist’s involvement in multidisciplinary medication reviews. Over 92% (n=35) agreed or strongly agreed that their experience of the pharmacist was positive. Conclusion The pharmacist has an important role in our residential care unit. Their involvement in the medicines optimisation process positively impacts patient outcomes and prevents harm. Staff perceived a positive impact of the clinical pharmacist service provided on patient care and patient safety.

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Motivational Application of Standardized Antimicrobial Administration Ratios Within a Healthcare System

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2020.918 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. s321-s321

Author(s):

Stephanie Shealy ◽

Joseph Kohn ◽

Emily Yongue ◽

Casey Troficanto ◽

Brandon Bookstaver ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Care ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽

Broad Spectrum ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

The United States ◽

Antimicrobial Use ◽

Gram Positive ◽

Specific Patient ◽

Antimicrobial Administration

Background: Hospitals in the United States have been encouraged to report antimicrobial use (AU) to the CDC NHSN since 2011. Through the NHSN Antimicrobial Use Option module, health systems may compare standardized antimicrobial administration ratios (SAARs) across specific facilities, patient care locations, time periods, and antimicrobial categories. To date, participation in the NHSN Antimicrobial Use Option remains voluntary and the value of reporting antimicrobial use and receiving monthly SAARs to multihospital healthcare systems has not been clearly demonstrated. In this cohort study. we examined potential applications of SAAR within a healthcare system comprising multiple local hospitals. Methods: Three hospitals within Prisma Health-Midlands (hospitals A, B, and C) became participants in the NHSN Antimicrobial Use Option in July 2017. SAAR reports were presented initially in October 2017 and regularly (every 3–4 months) thereafter during interprofessional antimicrobial stewardship system-wide meetings until end of study in June 2019. Through interfacility comparisons and by analyzing SAAR categories in specific patient-care locations, primary healthcare providers and pharmacists were advised to incorporate results into focused antimicrobial stewardship initiatives within their facility. Specific alerts were designed to promote early de-escalation of antipseudomonal β-lactams and vancomycin. The Student t test was used to compare mean SAAR in the preintervention period (July through October 2017) to the postintervention period (November 2017 through June 2019) for all antimicrobials and specific categories and locations within each hospital. Results: During the preintervention period, mean SAAR for all antimicrobials in hospitals A, B, and C were 0.69, 1.09, and 0.60, respectively. Notably, mean SAARs at hospitals A, B, and C in intensive care units (ICU) during the preintervention period were 0.67, 1.36, and 0.83 for broad-spectrum agents used for hospital-onset infections and 0.59, 1.27, and 0.68, respectively, for agents used for resistant gram-positive infections. After antimicrobial stewardship interventions, mean SAARs for all antimicrobials in hospital B decreased from 1.09 to 0.83 in the postintervention period (P < .001). Mean SAARs decreased from 1.36 to 0.81 for broad-spectrum agents used for hospital-onset infections and from 1.27 to 0.72 for agents used for resistant gram-positive infections in ICU at hospital B (P = .03 and P = .01, respectively). No significant changes were noted in hospitals A and C. Conclusions: Reporting AU to the CDC NHSN and the assessment of SAARs across hospitals in a healthcare system had motivational effects on antimicrobial stewardship practices. Enhancement and customization of antimicrobial stewardship interventions was associated with significant and sustained reductions in SAARs for all antimicrobials and specific antimicrobial categories at those locations.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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Self-fill oxygen technology: benefits for patients, healthcare providers and the environment

Breathe ◽

10.1183/20734735.013515 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 113-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Phyllis Murphie ◽

Nick Hex ◽

Jo Setters ◽

Stuart Little

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Cost Savings ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

List Type ◽

Potential Cost ◽

Unlimited Supply ◽

Technology Benefits

“Non-delivery” home oxygen technologies that allow self-filling of ambulatory oxygen cylinders are emerging. They can offer a relatively unlimited supply of ambulatory oxygen in suitably assessed people who require long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), providing they can use these systems safely and effectively. This allows users to be self-sufficient and facilitates longer periods of time away from home. The evolution and evidence base of this technology is reported with the experience of a national service review in Scotland (UK). Given that domiciliary oxygen services represent a significant cost to healthcare providers globally, these systems offer potential cost savings, are appealing to remote and rural regions due to the avoidance of cylinder delivery and have additional lower environmental impact due to reduced fossil fuel consumption and subsequently reduced carbon emissions. Evidence is emerging that self-fill/non-delivery oxygen systems can meet the ambulatory oxygen needs of many patients using LTOT and can have a positive impact on quality of life, increase time spent away from home and offer significant financial savings to healthcare providers.Educational aimsProvide update for oxygen prescribers on options for home oxygen provision.Provide update on the evidence base for available self-fill oxygen technologies.Provide and update for healthcare commissioners on the potential cost-effective and environmental benefits of increased utilisation of self-fill oxygen systems.

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USE OF “KNOWLEDGE HOUSE”, DWS, DMS AND DSS METHODOLOGY BY COMPLETING A COMPETITORS' ANALYSIS IN THE RAILWAY SECTOR

Journal of Business Economics and Management ◽

10.3846/16111699.2016.1251963 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 1022-1051

Author(s):

Vaidas GAIDELYS ◽

Stasys DAILYDKA

Keyword(s):

Intellectual Capital ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Competitive Intelligence ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Strategic Decisions ◽

Foreign Companies ◽

Information Accessibility ◽

Use Of Knowledge ◽

Selection Of

In completing a competitors’ analysis in the railway sector by using the “Knowledge House” method, there is frequently a problem of data and information accessibility. The quality of primary information has direct influence on the quality of analytical conclusions. One more condition for the qualitative application of this method is the intellectual capital and experience of the analyst. One should note that in this regard we face another problem, that of selection of proper personnel, on the qualification of whom depends the accuracy of the evaluation and final results, on the basis of which strategic decisions are taken. The main aim of the paper is to assess the opportunities for applications of competitive intelligence methods in the railway sector. The study is using “Knowledge House”, DWS, DMS, DSS methodologies. Having analysed the scientific works the direct scientific sources of information, which are oriented to the application of the methods of competitive intelligence to the railway sector, have not been identified. The paper is absolutely original in that until now the competitive intelligence techniques have not been applied for the railway sector companies. Considering the fact that foreign companies, which compete for freighting at the international level, are regarded as the main competitors of the railway sector, the use of the methods of the competitive intelligence becomes more important while fighting for the part of the market. The competitive intelligence methods and their application to the railway sector companies are little studied. In accordance with application of the relevant methods in other sectors, it can be assumed that these innovative approaches could have a positive impact on the competitiveness of companies in the railway sector and their income.

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The Value of the Oral Medicine Specialty in the Modern Healthcare Systems

Saudi Journal of Health Systems Research ◽

10.1159/000515358 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Mohammed Bindakhil ◽

Scarlet Charmelo-Silva ◽

Alhanouf A. Bin Dakhil ◽

Ibrahim A. ALOmair

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Oral Health ◽

Medical Training ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Healthcare Systems ◽

Medical Community ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Oral Medicine ◽

Training And Education

Background: Oral medicine is a subdiscipline of dentistry that concerns itself with the oral health of patients; it focuses on providing diagnosis and management of oral and maxillofacial diseases, as well as direct dental care for those in medically complex situations. As primary healthcare providers, physicians and dentists are often the first to evaluate patients with orofacial symptoms and make diagnoses related to oral health, whether explicit or manifested through systemic diseases. However, a lack of familiarity with oral medicine among healthcare providers often leads to significant delays in the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of many oral and maxillofacial disorders. It has been well established that a lack of training and education in oral health among physicians is an impediment to alleviating the situation. Summary: Several studies and scientific reports in the medical community have shown a greater professional interest in oral health and medicine, with numerous recent articles reflecting a clear rise in multiple factors: an increased interest in additional training and a rise in oral diseases. This review focuses on the need for a multidisciplinary approach in modern healthcare systems that implements the oral medicine specialty. It also serves to emphasize the role of oral medicine in medical training and education, while simultaneously discussing the prevalence of oral diseases and awareness of oral health among physicians in Saudi Arabia. Key Messages: The prevalence of oral health conditions in Saudi Arabia appears to be high yet is accompanied by a scarcity of oral medicine specialists in this part of the world. Furthermore, numerous studies have revealed that physicians from different specialties in Saudi Arabia lack training in oral health and possess an insufficient awareness of the oral medicine specialty. This paucity of oral medicine specialists in Saudi Arabia presents a key issue as the clinical services and medical education provided by such specialists in healthcare systems can have a profound positive impact on each patient’s quality of life and health outcomes, as well as the standards of physicians’ training.

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