Comparing needs with available resources

Abstract

Reports results of a British Library funded project to examine the information needs of a group of rheumatology outpatients about the drugs they are taking and to carry out an audit of available information sources. The study was conducted between October 1994 and September 1995 and involved in-depth interviews with a sample of 40 patients attending a clinic in Aberdeen, Scotland. The aim was to assess how well current information resources matched patients' needs and to recommend improvements. Potential information sources included: Arthritis Care Newsletter; television programmes; newspapers and magazines; family and friends; health professionals (including community pharmacists); other patients; public libraries; and purchased books. Further work involved a questionnaire survey of 37 pharmaceutical companies and 230 rheumatology clinics in the UK regarding their information provision to patients. Concludes that many patients are not aware of a need for further information about their drugs and for these patients the presentation of more information might encourage them to think about evaluating their information requirements in future. Helpful models for rheumatology departments might include interdisciplinary teams, involving nurses and pharmacists, who can provide information tailored to individual needs. Full results and recommendations of this project are published in the British Library Research and Development Department report 6227, 1995 (LISA ref. 9603034).