The role of libraries in eHealth service delivery in Australia

Sarada Rao
State Library of Queensland

BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVES
eHealth is an emerging service sector which has great potential to improve health care delivery to rural and remote communities in the world. Through the cost effective use of information and communication technology, eHealth also facilitates efficient health surveillance, and promotes health education and research. Despite the obvious need for eHealth services in Australia based on the challenges of distance and human resources, its utility has not been realized as yet. This paper discusses the key information resources and service required for efficient eHealth systems, and explores the potential role of the library and information management sector in strengthening eHealth service delivery in Australia.

METHODS
A literature search and review was conducted to identify previous and current initiatives in the health information sector towards provision or support of eHealth services. Major issues that influence the use of eHealth services were studied. Websites of national and international health service delivery organizations such as State Health Departments and the World Health Organization were explored to understand the nature and content of eHealth information service projects that are being implemented or are under development. In particular, relevant policy documents were analyzed to evaluate the role and contribution of the information management sector, and the application of similar principles in the Australian environment.

RESULTS
The key barriers to the use of eHealth services include confusing information resources from different providers with overlapping or competing interests, inadequate technology infrastructure, and inadequate capacity among information users. Case studies from Canada and several Portuguese speaking countries suggest that a comprehensive eHealth information service (eHealth library) could effectively address all these barriers to eHealth service delivery. A well designed portal with appropriate links providing reference clinical guidelines, patient information material, and research data, along with health administration details is an ideal eHealth information resource. Brazil has successfully implemented the “Virtual Health Library Station’, which provides all these services, as well as supports training and information exchange in an environment similar to ‘Web 2.0’.

CONCLUSION
Recent research has identified the ‘Australian rural eHealth paradox’, going on to cite the need for strengthening service delivery through several different sectors, without specifying the need for involving the information management sector. This paper clearly proves the central role of the library service in supporting eHealth service delivery. Important stakeholders including the medical profession, government health administration, research organizations, pharmaceutical companies and the general public should be consulted while developing a model eHealth information service. Pilot testing and research should be conducted to monitor and evaluate the implementation of these services to resolve the existing eHealth paradox, and improve health service delivery to rural and remote communities in Australia.