Virtual health library users in Trinidad and Tobago—what do they need?

This paper aims to evaluate the usability of the Trinidad and Tobago Virtual Health Library (TTVHL) website based upon opinions of employees, students and ‘walk-ins’ in health care environments. Questionnaires were administered either in person or via e-mail to 122 persons who agreed to comment on the TTVHL website. All 122 responses were usable, resulting in a response rate of 100%. Data were generated using coded or classified responses and the findings were derived from data analysis. Respondents represented three categories of participants, viz.: health care personnel; library/information personnel; and persons operating outside of the biomedical or library/information fields. Their overall opinion of the website was favourable. Limitations of time, research personnel, and Internet access curtailed the administration of the survey at some locations where eligible respondents were present. The method employed can readily be applied to other VHL websites. Research on virtual health libraries within Latin America and the Caribbean is still in the early stages.

The computerised medical office - abstract

To outline and to demonstrate the use to which a personal computer has been used in a single-handed surgical practice, and to demonstrate: (a) the degree of office efficiency that can be expected from its operation; (b) the effectiveness in the storage and retrieval of clinical data; (c) the almost unlimited possibilities for research and communication. Since 1987, data both demographic and clinical, of all patients seen in my medical office have been stored on computer. This currently represents about eight (8) megabytes of data. A simulated office demonstration of the system will form the basis on which the above stated objectives can be attained. Selection of appropriate software and hardware and the choice of the operating environment are absolutely essential if the full potential of such a system as demonstrated is to be realised. The practitioner aiming to fully computerise his medical office must; (a) Be prepared to invest fully in all necessary hardware (2) enter into hardware and software contracts (c) Become familiar with basic concepts of computerisation. Familiarity with the operating environment is certainly an assest. For me the subject of computerisation holds a fascination equal to that of the human body (AU)

Microcomputers in medical practice - abstract

The introduction of the microcomputer has brought within every professional's reach the ability to process text, as well as store and retrieve data electronically. These features have proved useful in the areas of research and teaching. The basic components of a microcomputer will be explained to provide the average physician with adequate information about the type of hardware and software needed to carry out word processing and data storage. Graphics programmes which can further manipulate text and data to produce slides and other teaching aids will be mentioned and the results shown. Other uses of popular programmes on the market will be discussed with particular emphasis on their application to medical practice (AU)