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Resources

Resources for Health Consumers

"Quality information for improved health"

Health sciences librarians work in medical schools, hospitals, and other specialized health settings, and provide critical health information to doctors, nurses, and allied health personnel.

Many health sciences librarians and libraries also provide consumer health information to patients, their families, and the general public.

To top of page MLA Resources

  • MLA User's Guide to Finding and Evaluating Health Information on the Web
    MLA's consumer resource provides guidelines on finding the highest quality health information on the Web as well as examples of the best health Websites. Included in this guide are general starting points as well as specific sites for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

  • MLA's Top Ten Websites | "Los diez mejores, y más útiles, sitios en internet"
  • Deciphering Medspeak | Descifrando el Lenguaje Médico | Medspeak in Plain Language

    To help people understand "medspeak" terms—the specialized language of health care professionals—MLA created "Deciphering Medspeak." This Website and brochures for consumers offer relief from chronic misunderstandings and tips for evaluating health Websites. The series consists of the original version as well as disease-specific versions.

    Para ayudar a gente entiende "medspeak" los términos—el idioma especializado de profesionales de cuidado de salud—MLA creó "Medspeak que Descifra." Este Website y el folleto para el alivio de ofertas de consumidores de equivocaciones y puntas crónicas para evaluar la salud Websites.

    Medspeak in Plain Language brochures contain the same content as the original Deciphering Medspeak brochures but are specifically for consumers with a fifth grade or lower reading level. The brochures were rewritten with the help of the Massachusetts Health Sciences Library Network's (MAHSLIN) Working Group for Health Literacy and medical librarian, Carolyn J. Paul, MSLS, AHIP.
  • Medical Information on the Internet Tutorial
    Medical Information on the Internet: Guide for Health Reporters and Consumers is a Web-based tutorial designed by MLA members to lead health reporters and consumers to quality health care information on the Internet.

To top of page Find a Medical Library

  • Health Library Directory
    MedlinePlus is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicineand provides trusted health information to consumers. This searchable listing can help you find health information close to home.

To top of page Hospital Quality Resources

To top of page National Consumer Health Resources

  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Healthcare 411
    Healthcare 411 is an audio podcast series produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Using the latest technology, AHRQ shares news and information in the form of concise 60-second audio news programs that feature current research on important health care topics. Healthcare 411 gives consumers information they can use in their health care decision making.
  • Centers for Disease Control
    The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting public health activities in the U.S. CDC seeks to protect health and promote quality of life through the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability. The web site provides resources on health and safety topics, including diseases and conditions, emergency preparedeness and response, environmental health, healthy living, life stages and populations, injury, violence and safety, travelers' health, and workplace safety and health.
  • Guide to Information on Government Health Care Services (from the September 2010 issue of MLA News)
  • HealthCare.gov
    Developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this online tool helps consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources by accessing quality, affordable health care coverage. It provides consumers with both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a single, east-to-use tool.
  • Your Health Record
    Resources on how to access and understand your medical records, from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
  • The Joint Commission
    The Joint Commission has developed several public service announcements that are now airing on The Joint Commission's YouTube chanel. These animated videos are intended to encourage patients to speak up and be active participants in their health care and address topics including "Taking Medication Safely" and "Speak Up at the Doctor's Office."
  • National Library of Medicine Resources for the Public (NLM)
    NLM, part of the National Institutes of Health, provides extensive online consumer health information resources in both English and Spanish through MedlinePlus®. MedlinePlus has comprehensive, up-to-date, easy-to-read information on nearly 800 health topics. It also provides interactive health tutorials and a collection of surgery videos. It features information on thousands of prescription and over-the-counter medicines and alternative treatments such as herbals. Other NLM resources for the public include:
    • MedlinePlus Magazine
      NLM oversees the production of this publication of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that provides reliable, up-to-date health information, describes the latest breakthroughs from NIH-supported research, and features people from all walks of life talking about how they've handled their health challenges.
    • NLM Tutorial on Evaluating Internet Health Information
      A sixteen-minute tutorial (requires a Flash 6 browser plugin) on evaluating health Websites takes you step-by-step through a process to help you decide if health information on a Website is credible.
    • ClinicalTrials.gov provides the public with comprehensive information about all types of clinical research studies. The site has over 71,000 protocol records sponsored by the US government, the pharmaceutical industry, and academic and international organizations, in all 50 states and 165 countries.
    • NLM's Household Products Database provides easy-to-understand data in consumer-friendly language on the potential health effects of more than 2,000 ingredients contained in more than 7,000 common household products.
    • Tox Town® points out many harmful substances and environmental hazards not only in a town but in a port, a big city, a farm, and the US-Mexico border area. The Division has also created a series of information portals targeted to special populations, including Native Americans, Asian Americans, and those living in the Arctic.
    • ToxMystery is an interactive Web site for children ages 7-10, teaches users about potential chemical hazards in a home. There is also a Spanish-language version (click on "español") of this lively interface.
  • FreeMD.com
    A symptom-checker consisting of a virtual doctor who conducts interviews, analyzes symptoms, and provides expert advice.
  • "Patient Care Partnership"
    Replacing the American Hospital Association's (AHA) Patients' Bill of Rights, this plain language brochure informs patients about what they should expect during their hospital stay with regard to their rights and responsibilities. Available in multiple languages.
  • U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative
    Tracing the illnesses suffered by your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your doctor predict the disorders to which you may be at risk and take action to keep you and your family healthy. Download the "My Family Health Portrait" software and create a family tree of health issues to discuss with your doctor.

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