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Consumer Health Outreach for Special Populations: Targeting The Senior Citizen Demographic Deborah Chiarella, MLS – University at Buffalo, Health Sciences Library and Lauren Olewnik, MLS – Castleton State College, Calvin Coolidge Library Problem Participant’s Comfort Level Using the Internet Alarming observations made by one author regarding search and evaluation skills while assisting an elderly family member with a search for health information. 1 = Uncomfortable Using the Internet Western New York has a large senior citizen population and lack of Internet evaluation skills could be a common concern among this age demographic. Sought to provide the community with the tools to enable self-appraisal of health information found on the Internet. Changing information seeking behaviors among this demographic would lead to quality searches and result in more reliable information found. 5% Public Library 5 = Very Comfortable Family member was willing to rely on results of a Google keyword search for quality, reliable information. 5% No Response 7 6 Participants Why another consumer health information program? Where Participants Obtain Their Health Information 5 14% Books 4 43% Physicians 3 http://wnyconsumerhealth.googlepages.com/home 2 1 14% Internet 19% Friends 1 2 1 = Not Comfortable 3 4 5 = Very Comfortable 5 Both authors were completing their MLS when program was conceived, therefore had a flat operating budget. Free resources had to be investigated and implemented. Authors took advantage of free Web 2.0 tools such as free Web pages and Wikis found on the Web to support the program. Instant Messaging was used for communication between authors to edit Web pages and Wiki. Presenters were able to successfully create and implement a quality Consumer Health Information program on a flat budget and support it with Web resources using free Web 2.0 technology. Authors found Website and Wiki collaboration effective from different geographic locales, due to the use of Web tools. Consumer health information programs for seniors can be created by solo librarians and those with small operating budgets using free Web 2.0 tools. 6 6 = No Response Recommendations Based on a survey of initial participants few participants used the Internet to search for health information. Most relied on physicians and friends for answers to health queries. A survey was conducted following the first session. Participants indicated that most were not comfortable using the Internet to search for information. Googlepages was chosen to host the WNY Consumer Health Web pages due to the ease of use and ability to be edited from any location with an Internet connection. This was necessary since the authors now reside in different states. This program could easily be ported and maintained between libraries due to the use of 2.0 tools located on the World Wide Web, allowing collaboration between libraries that are geographically distant. Grant funding will be investigated in the future to aid in bringing the program to other venues. What Web 2.0 technology was used? What makes this program unique? Conclusions http://libweb.lib.buffalo.edu/dokuwiki/hslwiki/doku.php?id=consumer_health_resources Results and Feedback Program presentation was met with positive reviews from both participants and library staff. Participants and library staff were introduced to free quality health resources. Free Wiki program – DokuWiki was used to compile information for resource page. Authors were subsequently contacted by library staff to request additional information regarding creation and use of Web 2.0 tools to implement in their library. Instant Messaging was used for communication between authors to edit Web pages and Wiki. Additional presentations have been requested. http://wnyconsumerhealth.googlepages.com/isthisaqualitywebsite%3F Podcasts and blogs are under investigation for inclusion into the current resources to provide supplemental help and support for seniors seeking reliable health information.