MLA News Selected Articles

May 2000

Alternative Medicine

Edited by Melissa L. Just

Submitted by Kim Lyons-Mitchell, Health Sciences and Chemistry Branch Library, University of the Pacific

Application-Server Software Streamlines Access to Electronic Resources

Edited by Melissa L. Just

Submitted by Gerald (Jerry) Perry, AHIP, Information Services, Arizona Health Sciences Library, The University of Arizona–Tucson

Over the course of the last two years, staff members at the Arizona Health Sciences (AHS) Library have integrated dynamic functionality into many crucial aspects of the library’s Website (www.ahsl.arizona.edu). Dynamic "views" of the library’s electronic resources allow staff to provide access to the library’s electronic journals, databases, texts, reference works, and topical lists of evaluated Websites by title, subject, and format, and through keyword search.

In 1997, a library-wide Web Committee came together to develop the library’s "2nd Generation" Website. They concluded a top priority should be streamlined access to all the library’s electronic resources. Dynamic views of the library’s digital collections of electronic journals, electronic texts, databases, and evaluated Websites would provide the fundamental organizing feature. These "format" views would be supplemented with views by subject descriptors.

Jump In! The Water’s Cold (Fusion)!
There are many options for the library interested in this sort of dynamic functionality. The AHS Library decided to use Allaire Corporation’s ColdFusion® (www.allaire.com/Products/coldfusion/) application-server software. ColdFusion resides on a Web server, processes data contained in a database or series of databases, and delivers that content to the viewer’s browser in hypertext markup language (HTML).

In the AHS Library’s case, the databases also resided on a server and were constructed using Microsoft Access®. Systems Department staff developed this series of Access databases containing records with fields reflecting every element pertinent to the content resource. The database representing the electronic journals, for example, contained a record for each title—tracking Web location, producer, access details, holdings, and so on. An Access input form was developed for each database, and staff entered the salient details.

Pages coded in the ColdFusion markup language allow the Access database to be dynamically sampled when a library user visits the Website and selects a view, for example, electronic journals. The Website displays that view in real time, reflecting up-to-the-minute changes and additions made to the database.

Thorough Planning is Key to Success
Crucial to this approach is thorough planning, including deciding what data need to be tracked and recorded in the back-end database(s), and who will be responsible for maintaining the content used to support the Website’s dynamic features. The time needed to stay on top of all the details that figure into rights of access to electronic products and services is not insubstantial! All the pertinent details must be accurately recorded in the database in order for users to successfully reach the resource they desire.

An important benefit of using application-server software has been that more of the library’s staff members can participate in supporting the library’s digital presence. Staff can apply their individual expertise from the perspectives of serials management, technical services, and reference services, for example, without having to learn duplicate skill sets—fewer staff members are now needed to laboriously code in HTML. Staff instead can focus on content, while the application-server software customizes delivery based on users’ needs.

MLANET Editorial Board Gains Speed After First Meeting

Submitted by Scott Garrison, MLANET Editor

The MLANET Editorial Board (MEB) met February 2000 in Chicago, IL, for its midwinter meeting. The group met over two full days and discussed many exciting ideas for MLANET. The MEB’s planned projects for the next several months include:

• reviewing a variety of recent association survey data to build a needs-assessment instrument for MLANET;
• conducting usability testing;
• forming an Editors Guild comprised of all members of MLA editorial boards and panels (with the editors and Books Panel chair forming the steering committee), and extending the BMLA peer-review process toward publishing scholarship via MLANET;
• restructuring the chapter and section information on MLANET;
• creating FAQs and other content to better inform the membership of association processes, functions, and resources;
• investigating searching and interface refinements;
• posting the MLANET Policy and Procedure Manual on MLANET (policies first, then procedures);
• conceiving innovative ways of using MLANET to advocate for the profession, such as career day information and form letters for lobbying members’ institutions for updating browser and other standards;
• exploring ways to improve MLANET-based access to continuing education materials; and
• researching issues surrounding accessibility, using W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) standards.

In the last few months, the MEB expanded its membership to include Linda Azen Martin, MEB/Continuing Education Committee liaison, Seal Beach, CA; Eric Delozier, AHIP, MEB/2001 National Program Committee liaison, Penn State Harrisburg Library, Pennsylvania State University–Harrisburg, Middletown, PA; and Lynanne Feilen, MEB/MLA staff liaison.

The MEB’s new members for 2000–2003 are Christopher Bowron, James H. Quillen Medical Library, East Tennessee State University–Johnson City; Susan London, Ruth Lilly Medical Library, Indiana University–Indianapolis; and Eric Schnell, Prior Health Sciences Library, The Ohio State University–Columbus.

Personal Digital Assistants Make Inroads into Health Care

Edited by Virginia A. Lingle, AHIP

Series coordinated by Trudy A. Gardner, Ph.D., Medical Informatics Section; Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s, Chicago

Submitted by Mari J. Stoddard, Health Sciences Library, University of Arizona–Tucson

Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series submitted by members of the Medical Informatics Section.

Personal digital assistants (PDAs) synchronize data to and from desktop computers. Text entry is accomplished through simplified writing, a pop-up keyboard, or desktop computer. Palm-sized PDAs are shirt-pocket-sized devices that offer DayTimer-type functionality (calendar, address, to-do list, email, memo pad). Palm Vx and Compaq Aero are examples of palm-sized PDAs. Handheld PDAs are lab-coat-pocket-sized devices, clamshell-shaped with keyboards, which offer more memory and more powerful applications. Psion 7 and Hewlett-Packard Jornada are examples of handheld PDAs.

Palm operating system (PalmOS) devices—from Palm, IBM, Handspring, Symbol, and TRGPro—are the most popular PDAs in the United States, with approximately 85% of the market [1]. In Europe, Psion PDAs are the most popular. Unfortunately, they have very few health-related applications, but they work well with cell phones. On the Microsoft side are WinCE devices from Compaq, Casio, and Hewlett-Packard, which come in PDA or handheld formats. The current Microsoft operating system for PDAs, PC WinCE 2.0, is being replaced by PocketPC WinCE 3.0 [2]. WinCE is in read-only memory (ROM), so upgrades will require the purchase and installation of new ROM chips. WinCE 2.0 devices have less than 15% of the market [3], and the cost of developing for WinCE has been very high. As a result, few productivity or health-related applications are available. WinCE 3.0 devices may be more popular, but it will be at least a year before developers can have much available for them or before they make a significant impact in market share. Due to market share and changes in WinCE, the focus in this discussion will be on PalmOS PDAs.

PDA accessories include styluses, cases, memory, modems, bar code readers, cameras, voice recorders, MP3 players, keyboards, business card scanners, global positioning systems (GPS) and mapping tools, television remotes, and sockets for connecting to scientific instruments. For PalmOS, the ImagiProbe socket can measure heart rate, EKG, and respiration; DataStick sockets work with laboratory instruments. Because not all accessories work with all PDAs, be sure to check for compatibility before purchasing.

Applications are generally compatible within operating systems, but some applications may require a modem or other accessory. PalmOS can be obtained free or purchased for up to $40, and WinCE ranges from free to $60. On all PDA devices, the built-in security application is insufficient for confidential information, from credit card numbers to patient data. For PalmOS, good substitutes for security include Commander, a secure startup system, and Cipher, a text-encryption program. Care should also be taken to protect the desktop side with a password.

In addition to security applications, health care providers may want to look at these freeware tools:

• Diddlebug, a Note-It pad with alarms
• AvantGo, a program that downloads selected Web pages at synchronization, including news, stock quotes, and local movie schedules (also available for WinCE)
• CSpotRun, a book reader

Commercial applications for PalmOS and WinCE include English and multilingual dictionaries; Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, or PowerPoint file viewers and editors; fax capability; and graphics displayers. PDA-based health care applications focus on patient tracking (PatientKeeper), calculation (MedMath and Converter), and reference works such as:

• Epocrates, a free drug guide that updates at each synchronization
• CPT, E&M, and ICD coding guides
• Medical books including The Merck Manual, The 2000 Physician’s Desk Reference, and The 5 Minute Clinical Consult

Real-World Applications
The literature reports use of PDAs in nursing, surgery, anesthesia, epidemiology, oncology, psychology, and many other fields [4]. At the University of Arizona, all hospital administrators and managers have Palm PDAs and use them to share memos, business data, and patient tracking. The College of Medicine provides Compaq Aeros to its administrators. The Arizona Drug Information Center uses Palm PDAs to collect medication-error data. Pendragon Forms are used to create the data tracking system. Washington University has set up a Palm Medical Initiative, while emergency rooms from Phoenix, AZ, to Hallifax, NS, use PDAs for rapid access to information and tools. Patient empowerment tools range from diet and exercise management to personal medical records, like MediConsult and Softcare. Currently in beta testing are electronic-prescription systems via ePhysician and iScribe. Wireless connectivity to public information utilities, such as news and email, are in place; connections to hospital information systems are still speculative.

See educ.ahsl.arizona.edu/pda/ for links to the resources listed in this article.

References

1. Palm swamps competition in 1999 dollar sales. [Web document]. Market Data, 28 Mar 2000. <http://www.allnetdevices.com/marketdata/000328palm.htm>.

2. Ruley J. Microsoft debuts Pocket PC for handhelds. [Web document]. BYTE, 20 Mar 2000. <http://www.byte.com/column/BYT20000315S0009>.

3. Market Data, op. cit.

4. Stoddard M. Health care journal articles: professional and patient use of Palm Tops, PDAs, and Hand Helds. [Web document]. Arizona Health Sciences Library. [rev 20 Mar 2000]. <http://educ.ahsl.arizona.edu/pda/art.htm>.