Patient-Centred Health Information Resources and Services in Hospital Libraries: A Survey of Current Practices and Challenges in Nigeria
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Background: Today, it is pertinent for hospital libraries to provide health information resources and services that can empower patients who visit hospitals to make informed health decisions. However, the extent to which hospital libraries serve patients remains insufficiently investigated in Nigeria. The study surveyed the current state of health information resources and services provided to patients in Nigerian hospitals.
Methods: The study is a descriptive survey. The population of the study comprised twenty-seven (27) heads of hospital libraries who are members of the Medical Library Association of Nigeria (MLA-NG). Due to the manageable size of the population, a census sampling method was employed, and a web-based questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics.
Results: The most common health information resources available in hospital libraries for patients are textbooks. Others are general medical reference materials and databases with consumer health information. Available services are reference, book/media lending, and internet services. The majority of the libraries surveyed are situated within the hospital premises; however, opening hours are limited to weekdays. Pamphlets, flyers, and digital marketing are used to create awareness, while insufficient funds to acquire current physical and digital information are a major challenge.
Conclusion: There is a need for hospital libraries in Nigeria to improve access to information resources and services to patients by pursuing interlibrary collaborations and consortia as one of the ways of mitigating insufficient funds.
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