Capstone Project
Consumer Health Information LibGuide for the Dell Medical School
at the University of Texas at Austin
The outcome of this project was to create a Consumer Health Libguide for the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School to serve patients and the community in order to improve health literacy and understanding. As a result, patients and their families are able to discuss with their medical care provider concerns they may have regarding their medical care needs. This resource will enable individuals to advocate for their health.
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Topics included in the LibGuide include addiction (subcategories: alcohol, drug, smoking cessation), cancer (subcategories: breast, lung, prostate, skin), diabetes (prediabetes, type 1, type 2, gestational), exercise, family planning (subcategories: birth control, infertility, pregnancy and delivery), heart disease (subcategories: coronary artery disease, heart arrhythmia, heart valve disease, heart failure), mental health (subcategories: anxiety, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, PTSD / CPTSD, and psychotic disorders) and nutrition. Exercise and nutrition subcategories discuss older adults, adults, teenagers, and children.
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All health conditions have apps and video resources. Video resources are available for those who need to have information provided in an audio format. Each page has a main subject page and then additional subcategories to delve further into health concerns. All blue links open to an external resource that allows users to learn more about health concerns from a reputable health source.
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Information resources are provided in both English and Spanish.​
Home Page
Home Page: The homepage contains a brief introduction of what consumer health information is and general resources that patients and families may find helpful. There is also a guide on spotting mis- and disinformation when it comes to health information.
Addiction
Addiction: The addiction sections discuss common addictions including alcohol, drugs, and smoking. Links to support for both addicts and family members of addicts is provided.
Cancer
Cancer: Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way. In the state of Texas the top 3 types of cancer include breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Skin cancer was included due to the environmental conditions of the area. There is a helpful cancer term dictionary widget provided by the National Cancer Institute. It also provides resources on how to tell loved ones and children about a cancer diagnosis.
Diabetes
​Diabetes: Diabetes comes in many forms including prediabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. By discussing the differences between these types of diabetes. Patients and their families are able to recognize the risk factors and symptoms as well as what they can do to prevent additional health concerns due to a diabetes diagnosis.
Exercise
Exercise: The exercise section discusses the benefits of exercise, types of exercise, and recommended exercise time for individual age groups as well as apps to help individuals track their workouts. The section covers resources for older adults, adults, teenagers, and children.
Family Planning
Family Planning: Family Planning is much more than just birth control, the subject extends to the timing of expanding a family as well as the time and financial constraints of having children. Family planning topics also include infertility issues (for both men and women), pregnancy and delivery. These topics discuss the health of not only mother but also baby and those who have not yet started a family and need routine women's health testing.
Heart Disease
Heart Disease: This sections discusses the risk factors and symptoms of heart diseases. Topics covered include coronary artery disease, heart arrhythmia, heart valve, disease, and heart failure.
Mental Health
Mental Health: The importance of mental health and seeking help for emotional, psychological, and wellness has become more prevalent in recent years. This section discusses how individuals can seek help for mental health concerns and associated symptoms. This sections includes discussions on anxiety, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, PTSD / CPTSD, and psychotic disorders.
Nutrition
Nutrition: This section discusses the importance of eating healthily and provides small changes people can make to their diet to improve their health and nutrition goals. There are sections discussing the nutritional needs for older adults, adults, teenagers, and children. The section regarding teenagers also discusses body image and self esteem concerns as well as eating disorders for those who participate in sports.