Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
A Connected World To Waikato DHB Library
A Connected World To Waikato DHB Library
Health professionals working in a hospital setting have far greater access to clinical information, both paper based and electronic, than do their counterparts working in the community.
Those working in non-hospital situations tend to rely on textbooks that may or may not be current, and telephone calls to colleagues and mentors.
Lynda Pryor, knowledge services manager at Waikato District Health Board said while she was not trying to downplay the value of those, people working at a hospital do in general have greater access to a wealth of resources, paper-based and electronic.
"In general, licence agreements with information providers preclude the sharing of such knowledge- rich resources with those not actually working within the hospital system."
Health professionals in the community may have access to some shared resources via their Primary Health Organisation (PHO). Staff at the Waikato DHB library recognise this disparity and have worked hard to find a solution.
"Now not only can all health professionals in the community, including dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists, call in and use the library's resources but they also can now access a wealth of electronic data at their desks or from their home offices," said Ms Pryor.
An agreement between Waikato DHB library and one of their database providers, Ebsco, means these people can be confident that the information they now have access to is current, reputable and evidence based.
By funding this initiative the library is supporting the Waikato DHB's raison d'être "to improve the health status of its populations and eliminate inequalities in the health status of various groups in the community serves".
"There has been steady uptake of these offerings within the health community already; however, Waikato DHB library staff would like to encourage more health professionals in the Waikato DHB region to try it.
"We are happy to send out information about connecting to the system, give demonstrations and tutorials either in the library or at practice or group meetings," she said.
"People can email or phone us with information requests and do literature searches and supply articles at no cost within reason."
If you would like to learn more, email library@waikatodhb.govt.nz or phone 07 839 8880.
ends
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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