The Frontera Collaboration: A Preliminary Report of Health Sciences Librarians Promoting Evidence-Based Practice in U.S.-Mexico Border Communities

Abstract

This paper reviews the formation of the Frontera Collaboration, a coalition of health sciences librarians serving clinicians and public health personnel in the US-Mexico border region. Based on findings from an assessment of the target populations’ learning needs, the Frontera Collaboration participants developed a shared set of training materials that have been used in pilot training sessions. The Frontera Collaboration’s participants learned several lessons related to collaborative health information outreach and increased their understanding of the concerns and needs of clinicians and public health personnel serving border communities.

Health Sciences Librarians’ Instructional Engagement in Continuing Education: A Scoping Review

“…In terms of session type, most included sources reported on librarians delivering a structured class or workshop session (n=90, 86%), but several unique examples described librarians developing and leading games [ 38 ], writing and presenting theatrical plays [ 39 ], and holding instructional exhibits [ 40 , 41 ]. The setting and formats of librarian teaching was fluid, as some sources described librarians visiting clinical teaching units to reach their audience [ 11 , 42 – 49 ], Some sources reported multiple session types and were coded as such.…”

HIV/AIDS Outreach: Curriculum Development and Skills Training to Health and Information Professionals

“…For well over two decades, academic medical librarians have engaged in information outreach to health professionals and public librarians to improve access to reliable, valid health information useful for both providers and consumers and thus contribute to better health outcomes. 1–8 Early projects trained providers on the use of databases available at the time (GratefulMed), 4, 6 while later projects trained public health professionals ,2, 5, 7 and public librarians on effective search techniques and freely available resources to promote health literacy to consumers. 1, 3, 8…”

Integrating research into practice

“…Health sciences librarians play essential roles in ensuring that health care providers have the best evidence for optimal patient care [45][46][47]. Marshall et al linked information provided by librarians at 118 hospitals to improved diagnosis, choice of appropriate medications, avoidance of adverse events, and appropriate advice given to patients [48].…”