Data Analysis of Consumer and Patient Health Questions Using NLM Medical Subject Headings

Authors : Sandy Oelschlegel , Martha Earl , Jenny Cole ; Preston Medical Library, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine

Purpose: This paper will report on the use of Medical Subject Headings and an Access database to analyze consumer health questions received by the Preston Medical Library from 2001-2004.

Setting/Participants/Resources: The Preston Medical Library has provided a Consumer & Patient Health Information Service to the Knoxville area and beyond since 1993. An average of 60 questions are answered monthly on a variety of topics. A form is filled out for each question received. Statistics have been kept on the number of questions, but no other information has been analyzed.

Brief Description: In 2003 a database was designed and populated that included fields for the subjects of the questions. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were used to populate these fields.

Results/Outcome: The development of this database allowed librarians to analyze questions for the purposes of collection development, staff training and web site development for the Consumer & Patient Health Information. It was also be used to correlate questions to demographics. Data analysis resulted in plans for follow-up surveys, further collection analysis, web site changes, and development and marketing initiatives.

Evaluation Method: Staff expressed satisfaction with additional data to improve web site coverage, collections, reference services, and development and marketing plans.