What is E-HELP?

The Elder Health Education in Libraries Project was created by the West Virginia University Center on Aging, in collaboration with the WVU Medical School Library, Marshall University Medical School Library and the WV Library Commission. Grant funding provided by the National Library of Medicine and in conjunction with the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

E-HELP is designed to improve access to web based health information for consumers aged 50 years and older. By utilizing public libraries consumers will be able to learn to use and explore the primary health information web sites of the National Libraries of Medicine, PubMed, MedLine and MedLine Plus. In obtaining an increase in consumer use of these websites both public education and public awareness are critical for success. By designing and developing a web based training course content to be utilized by consumers in public libraries, an increased awareness of the availability and accuracy of these websites can be demonstrated. Also, since the target population deals with rural West Virginians, library personnel, as the “trainers”, will also receive training specific to rural cultural issues as they pertain to health care, so that they can become more culturally competent with this particular population, thus enhancing their abilities to provide efficient and understanding services. Through a pre and post training test for librarian staff, base lines on cultural competency can be established and knowledge base measured. Online surveys to track usage of NLM websites as well as determine feedback on training modules will also be developed and implemented throughout the project. Teaching the target population to use technology to access healthcare is a critical part of the continued health and well being of the population of West Virginia. Observing culturally sensitive practices is also a crucial part of the project. With the many geographic and economic barriers that the state faces, a program that allows for an increase of accessibility to accurate health care information may be a stepping stone to improving the health and well being of all West Virginians.

The Purpose of E-HELP

• Improve and increase access to reliable health information for rural elderly and baby boomers through the use of internet, specifically the National Libraries of Medicine Pub-Med and Med-Line Plus.
• Prepare library staff to assist and educate rural consumers age 50+ to use technology to access health care information (through NLM websites).
• Improve the cultural sensitivity of library personnel, specifically rural culture and aging as they relate to health care.
• Increase the number of times the PubMed and MedLine sites are accessed by consumers aged 50+.