these reports from MLA '07 in Philadelphia.
Evidence-Based Medicine Roundtable
Submitted by Carol Jeuell
Brennemann Library,Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL
I attended the Evidence-Based Medicine chapter council roundtable at the MLA meeting. I really appreciate this format for getting valuable information on a topic of my interest. This format allowed me to meet other librarians who shared information on their EBM programs. I was delighted to reconnect with one of my colleagues from a number of years ago and learn that we were dealing with the same EBM issues. We all exchanged e-mail addresses so that we could consult each other on EBM topics after the meeting. The roundtables are a great way to connect with colleagues who are focused on similar problems.
Concerns were brought up about teaching EBM and about what the format and content of a class should be. We each talked about how we approached teaching EBM and discussed the essential elements that should be covered. Special attention was directed toward the EBM pyramid that shows the different levels of evidence from expert opinion to critically appraised topics and systematic reviews.
The following specific sources of EBM information were listed and briefly discussed:
TRIPdatabase.com http://www.tripdatabase.com/index.html Information on the best available evidence can be quickly retrieved to answer clinical questions.
Journal of Family Practice http://www.jfponline.com/ Articles are published on evidence-based work that is relevant to family practice physicians.
Natural Standard http://www.naturalstandard.com/ This database provides evidence-based articles on complementary and alternative therapies.
Bandolier http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/ This is a monthly online newsletter on evidence of effectiveness and publishes that information in simple bullet points.
Joanna Briggs Institute http://www.joannabriggs.edu.au/about/home.php This site promotes and supports best practices by sharing information on the best evidence for effective health care practices.
DynaMed http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/aboutUs.php This database provides point-of-care reference information for the best available evidence to support clinical decision-making.
BMJ Clinical Evidence http://www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/index.jsp This journal publishes systematic reviews of important clinical decisions.
EBM Roundtable participants were encouraged to check out the following EBM tutorials:
Duke University http://www.hsl.unc.edu/services/tutorials/EBM/welcome.htm and
SUNY Downstate Medical Center http://library.downstate.edu/EBM2/contents.htm.
Technology Issues Roundtable
Submitted by Bryan S. Vogh
Richard J. Daley Library, University of Illinois, Chicago, Chicago IL
I was a recipient of the “Free Lunch” award that allowed me to attend the Chapter Council Roundtables Luncheon at MLA in Philadelphia. I chose the table for "Technology Issues for Hospital Librarians." I thought this experience would help me be a better Technology Coordinator by allowing me to hear first hand in an informal setting the issues that hospital librarians were experiencing. My goal was to listen, think about what I had heard and then see how I could take the information that was shared and use it to improve the GMR’s technology program.
The sharing centered on proxy issues and relationships with the information technology staff. There was a lot of head nodding and sympathetic looks exchanged as people discussed the issues they were experiencing. It would be great to see more development by MLA or the MLA chapters on issues related to the trend toward heavy use of and reliance on technology in libraries. A class on how to work with your information technology staff or dealing with proxy problems would seem to be right on target.
I am thankful for the opportunity to hear about these issues first hand. I think this experience will help me develop programs that are more connected with the concerns that hospital librarians face daily. I would encourage others to apply for this award both to connect with colleagues at the national level and to broaden your exposure to like minds.