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The Hidden Halls of Knowledge: Discovering the World of Medical Libraries

There’s a hidden place in every hospital, a little-known world within the walls, waiting to be discovered. In some hospitals, it stands boldly before you; in others, it remains hidden in shadow, luring you to seek it out. It’s a place where the medical staff can find answers to the mysteries of patient care or dive into the research of unsolved questions. Staffed by experts who can conjure any article from the depths of databases in mere seconds, this hidden haven is where lifelong learning thrives. What is this secret space you may not know exists in your own hospital? It’s the medical library.


This October, in honor of Medical Library Month, I ventured to our hospital’s own medical library to meet Greg, the librarian. When I mentioned my plans to highlight their important role, he chuckled. “A whole month just for us? I’d be thrilled with just a week!” he joked. But since 1997, the Medical Library Association has recognized medical libraries during this month to celebrate the critical role that medical librarians play in healthcare. They provide physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and researchers with the latest medical knowledge, and they work with patients seeking accurate health information. (Yes, some hospitals even allow patients to access the resources of these hidden treasure troves!)


How do these unsung heroes help us in the OR?

Imagine them as researchers at the ready, armed to answer the most puzzling patient care questions. Need to know about drug interactions? Curious about how anesthesia might affect a specific patient? Eager to review the latest on sterilization regulations? Your medical librarian can pull the latest findings on any of these—and more.


These professionals regularly delve into the latest medical literature, ensuring the healthcare team has the most current information when making decisions for patient care. Medical knowledge doubles every 73 days, and after five years, information is considered outdated. No one can keep up alone. For new residents and fellows eager to apply the latest techniques and technologies, medical librarians serve as invaluable guides, helping surgical teams prepare for cases that may be new to the facility. Whether it’s researching a robotic assisted knee replacement or exploring minimally invasive carotid surgeries, medical librarians make sure we’re prepared with the most up-to-date knowledge.


They also unearth data to improve outcomes in projects like the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP), addressing areas such as pre-op antibiotic use and temperature management. When questions arise—like whether patients really need to be NPO after midnight for afternoon surgeries—medical librarians can find the data that helps guide evidence-based practices in perioperative care.


Gone are the days when we relied on a single source for procedures.

We should examine all data, from all sources, and our librarians make that possible. And, with the rise of AI-generated information, medical librarians are also invaluable in vetting the accuracy of data. Today, it’s all too easy to fall for convincing misinformation online, especially for patients who lack medical knowledge. By filtering out fake information, librarians protect patients and staff from potentially harmful misconceptions.


What about continuing education?

Need CE's for certification or licensure? Struggling to find free options? Medical librarians can help here, too! Hospitals subscribe to extensive databases like PubMed and CINHAL. With enough reading, you might even earn CE's from some articles without paying a dime.


Who's your librarian? Go find out!

So there you have it—a look into the unsung members of the healthcare team who work behind the scenes, equally essential to patient care. Seek out your hospital’s medical library and meet your local librarian. Let them assist you, and you’ll be glad you did!


Keep learning!

Lindsey



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