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Patient Education Resources

Consumers often turn to the Internet for medical and health information. Although a search on the Internet can result in resources that are reliable and current, there is a growing concern about the quality and accuracy of information of these resources.

This guide assists health professionals by offering a source for questions about patient education resources. Clinicians can find criteria for evaluating web sites, access to quality filter sites, and reliable sources of health information available in the Medical Library and on the web.

Consumer health resources in the Medical Library

Books and Journals
The Consumer Health Collection contains a growing collection of books and journals written for patients, their families or any individual interested in consumer health topics. Books, with topics ranging from asthma to weight control, are located in right corner of the Information Room. Journals and newsletters are shelved in the Periodical Room by title. The general public may use the consumer health books and journals in the library; Yale University and Medical Center faculty, staff and students may check out books for two months. Electronic books and journals are available from workstations in the Medical Library with remote access available for Yale University or Medical Center faculty, staff and students.

Micromedex (CareNotes) English and Spanish
Patient education documents available on a variety of topics covering patient condition, treatment, follow-up care, psychosocial issues, continuing health concerns and medications. DrugNotes, a component of CareNotes, offers drug descriptions, directions for use, interactions and warnings for common prescriptions. These documents offer the patient concise information in easy-to-understand terminology. All CareNotes documents are available in English and Spanish. Micromedex is available from workstations in the Medical Library or remotely for Yale University or Medical Center faculty, staff and students.

MDConsult (Patient handouts) English and Spanish
Provide your patients handouts with clear, educational handouts, customized with your own instructions. Patient education handouts are organized by category; conditions and treatments, medications, or medical specialty or are fully searchable. The American Academy of Family Physicians as well as four other major suppliers of patient education information provide the handout content. Spanish versions are available for key topics. MDConsult is available from workstations in the Medical Library or remotely for Yale University or Medical Center faculty, staff and students.

Evaluating web sites

Evaluating Web Sites for Consumer Health Information

10 Things to Know about Evaluating Medical Resources on the Web

Use Information Wisely (NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Megasites
These large sites evaluate and filter resources.

MEDLINEplus

HealthWeb

NOAH: New York Online Access to Health

healthfinder

Other sources of health information

Consumer Health Information Network

familydoctor.org (American Academy of Family Physicians)