LGBTQ+ health research guides: a multi-institutional analysis of usage patterns and user information needs.

Objective: LGBTQ+ health research guides can strengthen the LGBTQ+ community through connecting people to quality health services and information, and previous studies have recommended that health sciences libraries create and maintain these guides. Little evidence exists, though, on how these guides are used and how well they meet the needs of LGBTQ+ users. Using retrospective data retrieved from multiple LGBTQ+ health research guides, we examined the categories of LGBTQ+ health information most used, as well as how often guides were accessed. Based on these results, we hope to find patterns which can lead to best practices for libraries. Methods: Five North American academic health sciences libraries contributed select usage data from their LGBTQ+ health research guides, covering a three-year period (July 2018-June 2021). Data was analyzed in two ways. Firstly, the 20 most-clicked resources from each guide were categorized through open coding, to assess if certain information resource categories were more popular among guide users, allowing for inference of user needs. A time-series analysis was also conducted for two sites, using the Classical Seasonal Decomposition by Moving Averages method, to provide deeper insights into the data. Results: Open coding data showed consumer health information resources were used more often than other health resource categories. Resources from more locally based organizations and those with provider and services information were heavily used, indicating that users may be looking for information connecting to local health services and providers. The time series analysis allowed the potential positive effect of guide promotion to be showcased in ways that would not have been clear from the raw data. Conclusion: This study shows that people are accessing LGBTQ+ consumer health information through academic library research guides, with a preference for local information. Guide usage appears to be positively driven by outreach within one's institution and to the greater community. Locating external partners may increase guide impact and provide important links to local resources and services.

LGBTQ+ health research guides at North American health sciences libraries: a survey and content analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Current literature recommends online research guides as an easy and effective tool to promote LGBTQ+ health information to both health care providers and the public. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine how extensive LGBTQ+ health guides are among hospital and academic libraries and which features are most prevalent. METHODS: In order to locate LGBTQ+ health guides for content analysis, we searched for guides on the websites of libraries belonging to the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) and the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL). Additionally, we searched the Springshare interface for LibGuides with the word "health" and either "LGBT" or "transgender." Content analysis was performed to identify major characteristics of the located guides, including target audience and the information type provided. RESULTS: LGBTQ+ research guides were identified for 74 libraries. Of these, 5 were hospital libraries, and the rest were academic libraries. Of 158 AAHSL member libraries, 48 (30.4%) had LGBTQ+ guides on their websites. Nearly all guides (95.9%) provided general LGBTQ+ health information, and a large majority (87.8%) also had information resources for transgender health. Smaller percentages of guides contained information on HIV/AIDS (48.6%) and women's health (16.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Even though literature recommends creating LGBTQ+ health guides, most health sciences libraries are missing an opportunity by not developing and maintaining these guides. Further research may be needed to determine the usage and usefulness of existing guides and to better identify barriers preventing libraries from creating guides.

Exploring interprofessional collaboration and attitudes of health sciences librarians.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed health sciences librarians' attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration using the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) and gathered information on their involvement with interprofessional activities. METHODS: The authors sent a survey to librarians in the Medical Library Association's (MLA's) Interprofessional Education Special Interest Group and Research Section consisting of the IEPS and questions about their prior and current experiences with interprofessional practice and education (IPE). We compared mean IEPS scores between each MLA group and several other demographic factors to assess differences in attitudes. We also compared librarians' IEPS scores with those of previously published health professional students' IEPS scores and thematically analyzed two open-ended questions. RESULTS: Health sciences librarians' scores on the IEPS indicated positive attitudes toward IPE. There were no statistically significant differences between any group. Health sciences librarians' mean IEPS score was similar to the mean score of health professions students from a prior study. The most commonly reported interprofessional activity was teaching or facilitating learning activities for health professions students; fewer served on committees or engaged in non-curricular activities such as grand rounds and book clubs. CONCLUSION: Health sciences librarians in this study reported positive attitudes toward IPE, in line with the majority of other previously studied health professionals. Years of experience, previous health professional careers, and experience supporting IPE as a librarian had little bearing on the responses to the survey. This suggests that health sciences librarians have positive attitudes toward IPE, regardless of whether they directly support IPE programs or participate in interprofessional activities.

LGBTQ+ Source.

LGBTQ+ Source is a multidisciplinary database from EBSCO. This column will describe the coverage, search features, and potential use for health sciences libraries. Search examples with keywords and controlled vocabulary are provided to show how health topics related to the LGBTQ + community can be explored through this database.

Leveraging Survey Results in Support of a Library Renovation: A Case Study.

The Health Sciences Library (HSL) at Stony Brook University along with the School of Medicine were motivated to make improvements in seating and hours based on survey results from an LCME self-study. Preparation for the site visit from the Liaison Committee for Medical Education helped to garner resources and support for this initiative. To meet the evolving needs of the HSL patrons, librarians completed an overdue collection assessment project which allowed for 142 new seats, including newly designed spaces and furnishings. Ongoing assessment of the redesigned space will be conducted to evaluate success and areas for continued improvement.

Research and instruction services for online advanced practice nursing programs: a survey of North American academic librarians.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing popularity of distance education has led many advanced practice nursing (APN) programs to shift to either online or hybrid models. To meet the needs of these students, some nursing librarians are using technology for virtual research and instruction. This study was designed to assess the extent to which librarians in North America are providing virtual research and instruction services for APN students. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved, ten-question survey was developed to determine how librarians are providing services for APN students. It was announced in October 2017 through several health sciences librarian email discussion lists. The survey ran for four weeks. Data were analyzed using Qualtrics and Excel. RESULTS: Eighty complete responses were received. The majority of respondents (66%) indicated that their universities' APN programs were conducted in a hybrid format. Sixty-seven percent also indicated that they provide library instruction in person. Most librarians indicated that they have provided research assistance through some virtual method (phone or email, at 90% and 97%, respectively), and some have used online chat (42%) and video chat (35%). A strong majority of librarians (96%) indicated that they felt comfortable using technology to provide research assistance and instruction. CONCLUSION: Opportunities exist to leverage technology to provide virtual research assistance and instruction. Greater promotion of these alternative methods can supplement traditional in-person services to provide greater flexibility for graduate nursing students' busy schedules. Some outreach may be necessary to highlight the advantages of virtual services, and further research is needed to identify other barriers and potential solutions.

A partnership between academic and public librarians: "What the Health" workshop series.

BACKGROUND: Public librarians are in a unique position to assist the general public with health information inquiries. However, public librarians might not have the training, detailed knowledge, and confidence to provide high-quality health information. CASE PRESENTATION: The authors created and delivered three workshops to public librarians in Suffolk County, New York, highlighting several National Library of Medicine resources. Each workshop focused on a different topic: general consumer health resources, genetics health resources, and environmental/toxicology resources. At the end of each workshop, participants were asked to complete the Training Session Evaluation form provided by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM). All participants reported that they learned a new skill or about a new tool, that their ability to locate online health information improved, and that they planned to use the knowledge they gained in the future. Online tutorials covering the major resources from each workshop were created and made accessible to the public on several organizations' websites. Virtual reference services were initiated for public librarians who need further assistance with these resources and will continue to be provided on an ongoing basis. Financial support for the equipment and software utilized in each of these tasks was awarded by NNLM. CONCLUSIONS: Based on attendance and participant feedback, this model of health information outreach appears to have been successful in furthering the educational needs of public librarians and may be useful to others in creating a similar program in their communities.

Management of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Review the clinical manifestations and treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome. DATA SOURCES: Articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library in the past 10 years using the key words "Sjögren," "Sjögren's syndrome," "Sjögren's disease," and "Sjögren's syndrome AND treatment." Primary sources were used to locate additional resources. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Forty-six publications were reviewed and criteria supporting the primary objective were used to identify useful resources. DATA SYNTHESIS: The literature included practice guidelines, review articles, original research articles, and prescribing information for the manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome. CONCLUSION: Primary Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease with various clinical manifestations, notably dry eye, dry mouth, fatigue, and inflammatory musculoskeletal pain. Most patients are under the care of a dentist, ophthalmologist, and rheumatologist. There is currently no cure; therapy is tailored for each patient to reduce symptoms, avoid complications, and improve quality of life. Respondents to a recent survey conducted by the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation reported using more than eight medications and treatments for their symptoms; more than 60% of respondents were older than 60 years of age. Pharmacists familiar with recommended treatment options can provide advice and counseling to Sjögren's syndrome patients on multi-drug regimens prescribed by different health care practitioners.

Therapy for Open-Angle Glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: Review the clinical manifestations and treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DATA SOURCES: Articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library in the last 10 years using the key words "glaucoma," "open-angle glaucoma," and "'open-angle glaucoma' AND 'treatment.'" Primary sources were used to locate additional resources. ClinicalTrials. gov was used to locate unpublished studies. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Eighty-one publications were reviewed and criteria supporting the primary objective were used to identify useful resources. DATA SYNTHESIS: The literature included practice guidelines, review articles, original research articles, and product prescribing information for POAG. CONCLUSION: The POAG optic neuropathies result in optic disk damage and visual field loss. Ophthalmic medication therapy retards glaucoma progression, but many older patients require multiple medications to preserve vision and quality of life. An agent from the ophthalmic prostaglandin analog class is used as initial therapy in current practice because of the convenience of once-a-day administration and lower incidence of systemic side effects and slightly increased efficacy compared with other available ophthalmic medication classes. The other ophthalmic medication classes used in clinical practice include the beta-adrenergic blocking agents, the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, and the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Proper ophthalmic eye-drop administration and medication adherence are imperative for preserving vision in POAG. Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a viable alternative to ophthalmic medications either initially or if a patient experiences ocular or systemic side effects from medication therapy. A modified prostaglandin analog was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2017; its role in clinical practice is still evolving.

Trip Database: Turning Research into Practice for Evidence-Based Care.

Trip Database is a freely available search engine based in the United Kingdom. Trip directs users to journal articles, practice guidelines, and other research to support evidence-based medical practice. This column includes sample searches in both the free version and in the subscription Pro version.

Clostridium difficile Infection in Older Adults: Systematic Review of Efforts to Reduce Occurrence and Improve Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Provide a systematic review of the primary literature on efforts to reduce Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) occurrence and improve outcomes in older adults. DATA SOURCES, STUDY SELECTION, DATA EXTRACTION: PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched for research studies using search terms CDI, CDI prevention, reduction, control, management, geriatric, elderly, adults 65 years of age and older. The MeSH categories Aged and Aged, 80 and older, were used. A second search of PubMed, CINAHL, National Guideline Clearinghouse, and TRIP databases was conducted for primary, secondary, and tertiary literature for CDI epidemiology, burden, and management in adults of all ages, and prevention and management guidelines. Of the 2,263 articles located, 105 were selected for full review: 55 primary and 50 secondary, tertiary. Primary literature selected for full review included studies of interventions to prevent, reduce occurrence, control, manage, or improve outcomes in adults 65 years of age and older. Patient settings included the community, assisted living, nursing facility, subacute care, or hospital. DATA SYNTHESIS: The main outcome measures for research studies were whether the studied intervention prevented, reduced occurrence, controlled, managed, or improved outcomes. Studies were conducted in acute or long-term hospitals, with a few in nursing facilities. Interventions that prevented or reduced CDI included antibiotic policy changes, education, procedure changes, infection control, and multi-intervention approaches. There were few management studies for adults 65 years of age and older or for all adults with results stratified by age. Treatments studied included efficacy of fidaxomicin, metronidazole, vancomycin, and fecal microbiota transplant. Though clinical outcomes were slightly less robust in those 65 years of age and older, age was not an independent predictor of success or failure. The current prevention and management guidelines for adults of all ages, as well as special considerations in skilled nursing facilities, extracted from the secondary/tertiary literature selected, are summarized. CONCLUSION: There are a limited number of studies designed for older adults. Our findings suggest that guideline recommendations for adults are adequate and appropriate for older adults. Exposure to antibiotics and Clostridium difficile remain the two major risk factors for CDI, reinforcing the importance of antibiotic stewardship and infection control.

Review of Interventions That Improve Uptake of Lung Cancer Screening: A Cataloging of Strategies That Have Been Shown to Work (or Not).

TOPIC IMPORTANCE: Lung cancer screening (LCS) has the potential to decrease mortality from lung cancer by 20%. Yet, more than a decade since LCS was established as an evidence-based practice, < 20% of the eligible population in the United States has been screened. This review focuses on critically appraising interventions that have been designed to increase the initial uptake of LCS, including how they address known barriers to LCS and their effectiveness in overcoming these barriers. REVIEW FINDINGS: Studies were categorized based on the primary barriers that they addressed: (1) identifying eligible patients (including enhancing awareness through smoking history collection, outreach, and education), (2) shared decision-making-related interventions, and (3) patient navigation interventions. Four of the studies included multicomponent interventions, which often included patient navigation as one of the components. Overall, the effectiveness of the studies reviewed at improving LCS uptake generally was modest and was limited by the multilevel barriers that need to be overcome. Multicomponent interventions generally were more effective at improving LCS uptake, but most studies still had relatively low completion of screening. SUMMARY: Improving uptake of LCS requires learning from prior interventions to design multilevel interventions that address barriers to LCS at key steps and identifying which components of these interventions are effective and generalizable.

Physician Assistant Student Perceptions of "Muddiest Point" Classroom Assessment Technique Implementation.

PURPOSE: To assess student perceptions of the use of the "Muddiest Point" as a type of formative classroom assessment technique (CAT) in a clinical skills laboratory course. METHODS: Physician assistant (PA) students enrolled in a private university were invited to complete a perception survey regarding the use of the Muddiest Point at the conclusion of the course. RESULTS: Survey results showed positive overall student perceptions of the Muddiest Point and desire for broader use of this CAT in other courses. CONCLUSIONS: The Muddiest Point is a CAT that is simple for the instructor to implement and showed overall perceived benefit to the PA student. The Muddiest Point is an effective method to gauge student learning and allows students to be active participants in their education.