Transcript Infopeople Webcast Series: Health e-Shows Resources That Answer Those Other Tough Questions An Infopeople Webinar May 14, 2008 12pm – 1pm Kelli Ham [email protected] Infopeople webinars are.

Infopeople Webcast Series:
Health e-Shows
Resources That Answer Those Other Tough Questions
An Infopeople Webinar
May 14, 2008
12pm – 1pm
Kelli Ham
[email protected]
Infopeople webinars are supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library
Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act,
administered in California by the State Librarian.
Objectives
After viewing this session, attendees will:
 Understand new approaches to finding information
about drugs, genetics, toxicology and environmental
concerns
 Gain knowledge of high-quality information portals
to answer difficult questions from the public
 Know simple strategies to help library users search
for and find articles in PubMed
Agenda
 When you need more than MedlinePlus
 NIH Research Institutes & Centers
 Drug Information Portal
 Genetics information for the non-scientist
 Answering toxicology and environmental questions
 When the public wants PubMed
A Tough Day at Reference
Scenarios:
 “Beyond the norm” questions
A matter of:
 Expertise comfort zone
 Knowledge of resources
Common Topics… or Are They?
In-Depth Health Question
1. User knows about topic already, and asks for
in-depth current research and publications.
nih.gov
NIH homepage
NIH Institutes and Centers
 27 potential excellent resources for consumers
 Valuable resources only if you know about them
 Become knowledgeable about NIH Institutes before
you get questions:
 “Do you have a book on Marfan Syndrome?”
 “Necesito información sobre la enfermedad celíaca, por
favor.”
NIH Information for
Consumers
NIH Health Section
NIH Publications
Beyond the Basic Drug Question
 If I take this medication,
will it be present in my
breast milk?
 If so, is it harmful to the
baby?
 How long should I wait
after taking the
medication before it’s
safe to breastfeed?
New Drug Information Portal
druginfo.nlm.nih.gov
Search Results from Portal
LactMed Results Screen
LactMed Subtopics
LactMed Subtopics
Alternate Drugs to Consider
Drug Record Example
Other Ways to Use the Portal
Drug Information by Type
Other Agencies of Interest
Questions About Genetics
Hereditary Conditions
 Library user approaches with this information:
“My husband’s daughter from first marriage had
galactosemia when she was born and almost died.
It’s some sort of genetic condition. “
 “We want to have children; will they also have
galactosemia?”
 “What is genetics testing? Is there a test I can take?”
Genetics Home Reference
 User-friendly information
 Covers genetic conditions
 Provides summaries of genes and chromosomes
 212-page “Understanding Genetics Handbook”
ghr.nlm.nih.gov
Searching Genetics Home
Reference
ghr.nlm.nih.gov
Genetic Condition Record
Example
Other Notable Sections
Handbook Example – Genetic
Tests
Green Is In
 Concern about the environment
is growing
 Questions about hazardous or
toxic substances are more
common
 Resources available for all ages
and levels of interest
TOXNET
Tox Town
ToxMystery
Science Fair Time
Actual questions:
 “What can beta-carotene dissolve in that is safe to
give to plants? I tried dissolving it in water, but it
didn’t work.”
 “What is the molecular weight of ammonia?”
 “Is sunscreen absorbed into the skin, or does it work
by creating a barrier on top of the skin?”
Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET)
toxnet.nlm.nih.gov
TOXNET Databases
The “?” Provides Descriptions
Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
 Search TOXNET, click on HSDB result
 check the Chemical/Physical Properties section for the
question about solubility and molecular weight
 check the Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics section for the
skin absorption properties of sunscreen
 use HSDB for detailed information about chemicals,
ingredients, drugs
HSBD Record Example
Tox Town
 Great resource for librarians and teachers
 Less technical than resources in TOXNET databases
 User-friendly interface
 Toxins in common places and locations
 Health dangers following disasters
Tox Town Home Page
toxtown.nlm.nih.gov
Welcome to the Farm
Neighborhood Chemicals
Questions for Tox Town
Library user explains that she has asthma, and
requests information about air quality:
“Why are ozone levels always worse in the
summer, and what is PM 2.5, anyway?”
Searching for a Chemical
 Look for ozone under the Chemicals tab
 you will find basic information and links to
MedlinePlus.gov, EPA.gov, and other resources
Ozone Example
Topic Searches
 Search for PM 2.5 using the search box
ToxMystery for Kids
 Designed for 7- to 10-year-old children
 They may not have specific questions
 Fun, interactive site to help them learn about
hazardous substances in the house
 Resources for parents and teachers, too
toxmystery.nlm.nih.gov
ToxMystery
Interactive Fun and Learning
About PubMed/MEDLINE
 Free, web-based access to NLM’s database of
citations and abstracts in medicine, nursing, dentistry,
veterinary medicine, health care systems, and more
 Links to many sites with full-text articles
 Journal subsets such as Consumer Health
 Topic subsets such as Complementary Medicine
 MEDLINE ≠ MedlinePlus!
Hmmm…
“IPods Don't
Interfere With
Pacemakers,
Study Shows”
PubMed for the Public
The Facts and the Request
 User heard about a study on iPods and pacemakers
 Published in Heart Rhythm, April 2008 issue
 Dr. Charles Berul listed as senior investigator for the
study
 Contradicts a study from May 2007
User hopes to find the two articles –
where do you look?
PubMed.gov Home Page
pubmed.gov
Single Citation Matcher
Auto-Fill Feature
Author Search Example
Article Icons and Links
Full-text Icon
Using Limits to
The Day Ends Well
Thanks for
helping me find
this information!
Questions and Final Thoughts
Kelli Ham, Consumer Health Coordinator
NN/LM Pacific Southwest Region
UCLA Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library
[email protected]