ICML 2009: Great Hall 2 Session 17

Theme: Partnerships & Collaborations

Time: 16.00-17.15
Date: Wednesday 2nd September 2009
Chair: Jan Weaver

Medical Library and Information Services in Papua New Guinea: An Overview
Susan T Gandi, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Papua New Guinea

Susan T Gandi is Manager Information and Communications Section, PNG Institute of Medical Research. She has a Diploma in Library and information Science - University of Papua New Guinea - 1989 and a Bachelor of Education - University of New England NSW ( Australia) - 1997

Abstract:
Poor availability of health information to health-care providers, academics, researchers and policy makers is common in the developing world. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is no exception, having few adequate health libraries and limited access to relevant health information. There are also few academic institutions in the country, and the information they provide is often basic and outdated. Many factors contribute to the lack of such important information facilities and services, not the least lack of sustainable funding and infrastructure.

While the developed world is moving ahead with technological advances in information and communication systems, the uptake in PNG is considerably slower. The PNG Institute of Medical Research (IMR) Library is one of the few libraries in the country to date that has embraced these changes successfully. These successes are largely due to well trained staff, adequate infrastructure and funding, and good access to the internet. This has enabled the IMR library to benefit through a collaboration with GRATISNET (an Australian Medical Library network), and HINARI, the WHO Health Inter Network Access to Research Initiative. The PNG IMR library is highly valued within PNG, not only by IMR research staff, but also by health professionals, students, academics, individuals from government and non-government organisations, and overseas colleagues. Notwithstanding the successes of the PNG IMR library to date, the delivery of health information in PNG as a whole is an ongoing process. It requires support from all stakeholders, adequate funding, reliable communication systems and access to staff training.

Progress Report on developing an Australian-based portal/gateway for Evidence-Based Medicine resources
Mr Terence M Harrison, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia

Terence Harrison commenced as Clinical Librarian, Royal Melbourne Hospital, in January 2007. He conceived and designed the Evidence Direct website, organised RMH Evidence Week, and contributed to several EBM courses. Previously he has organised a Knowledge Management system for the National Institute for Clinical Studies (Australia); worked as a consultant ontologist for Sensis (Telstra) search engine; was responsible for the Peripatetic Librarian service (training in advanced searching, evidence searching, developing relevant learning modules, etc) for Plymouth Hospital NHS Trust; developed commercial internet/extranet sites; was responsible for the AEI database indexing for the Australian Council for Education Research; and worked on Serials retrieval, British Library. He also held the position of Publicity Manager, British Post Office; has lectured in Professional Writing; organised rock concerts (UB40, Chumbawamba, Planxty, etc); worked as free-lance investigative researcher (The Observer, London); was Night Manager, Amsterdam Hilton; and is an author (novels).

Abstract:
In January, 2008, preparations were begun to investigate the possibility of developing an Australian-based resource (portal/gateway) for Evidence-Based Medicine resources. Existing needs were identified, as also current resources. Philosophically, the portal/gateway would be all-encompassing, not only promoting EBP (Evidence-based Practice) but offering 'must have' online EBM, learning and collaboration resources for clinicians (and those who work with them) across Australia. This Report describes the progress of the initiative, the partnerships sought and obtained, and the mechanisms for pooling the existing resources. It also outlines possible future directions for the project and how the project as a whole might have considerable influence on the direction of medicine, medical practice, and governance in Australia.

We couldn’t have done it without the librarians! Evidence based practice at a large Norwegian University Hospital
Hilde Stromme, Ullevaal Univeristy Hospital, Medical Library, Norway

Hilde Stromme has worked in different Norwegian hospital libraries since 1996. She is currently deputy librarian, head of the Medical Library’s user education programme, and member of the Resource group for evidence based practice at Ullevaal University Hospital in Oslo. Hilde Stromme is also chair of the Norwegian Library Association’s Section for Medicine and Health and council member of the European Association for Health Information and Libraries (EAHIL).

Abstract:
The Ullevaal Model for Evidence Based Practice (The Ullevaal Model) is developed specially for Ullevaal University Hospital in Oslo, Norway. It is inspired by the 5 step model of Evidence Based Medicine and its aim is to develop and update evidence based protocols for use in clinical wards. Fundamental components specific to the Ullevaal Model: Small interdisciplinary groups trained in EBP with masters or doctorally prepared group facilitator. All searches are facilitated by a librarian. The 5 steps of the Ullevaal Model: 1. Asking a question with PICO. 2. Systematic literature search facilitated by a medical librarian. All relevant databases are searched, the search is documented. 3. Group members critically appraise the literature retrieved. 4. Protocols are written or updated based on the evidence found and the group members’ clinical experience. 5. The protocols are evaluated and updated every two years. The Ullevaal Model is an effective tool in the development of evidence based clinical protocols. The model ensures a common standard for all protocols within the hospital. The librarians’ participation ensures retrieval of research literature that is relevant to the clinical question and that searches are documented correctly. Health personnel involved in the project report that the participation of the librarians greatly increases the quality of the literature searches, thus ensuring that protocols are based on the best available evidence.