{"id":16085,"date":"2020-11-06T14:15:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T14:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.nnlm.gov\/ner\/?p=16085"},"modified":"2020-11-06T14:21:39","modified_gmt":"2020-11-06T14:21:39","slug":"conducting-focused-outreach-with-patient-populations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.nnlm.gov\/region_7\/2020\/11\/06\/conducting-focused-outreach-with-patient-populations\/","title":{"rendered":"Conducting Focused Outreach with Patient Populations"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

On Tue, Oct 27, I presented a poster at the North Atlantic Health Sciences Libraries, Inc. (NAHSL) virtual annual conference.<\/a> NAHSL selected the Whova platform for the conference. Whova embeds Zoom for sharing presentations and hosting discussions. As participants entered the room, I launched into explanations of my poster. Participants typed questions and comments into the chat box.<\/p>\n

The poster explored techniques for conducting outreach to patient populations based upon strategies that we use at the Network of the National Library of Medicine.<\/p>\n

Burgeoning efforts in participatory care and the inclusion of patients in the decision-making process pose a unique opportunity for librarians and information professionals to offer more personalized information services<\/em>. ~DeRosa et. al.<\/p>\n

During the poster presentation, I offered five suggestions:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Identify a patient population that you hope to engage, such as pediatric cancer patients and their caregivers.<\/li>\n
  2. Identify a specific goal, such as supporting shared decision-making with the healthcare team through personalized information services.<\/li>\n
  3. Assess your motivations before introducing yourself to patients and caregivers. What do you hope to gain?<\/li>\n
  4. Keep in mind that we do not have the power to single-handedly impose change that will lead to improved usage of hospital library services. Partnership is necessary.<\/li>\n
  5. True collaboration requires a long-term commitment, and improved outcomes is a slow, deliberate process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Pandemic Challenges<\/h3>\n

    Here at the Network, we are struggling with Focused Outreach during the pandemic. Our partners are not responding to emails. Social distance measures are impacting our ability to connect face-to-face. We are thinking through adaptations, and look forward to resuming our tried-and-true methods when it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n

    Further Reading<\/h3>\n