Serials Information Resource Provision for Effective Healthcare Services among Medical and Allied Health Personnel in Nigerian Tertiary Health Facilities

Abstract

This research focused on provision of serials information resources for effective healthcare services among medical and allied health personnel in Nigerian Tertiary health facilities. The study is a conceptual research article. Systematic literature review is adopted, a method that entails critical review of relevant scholarly literature in order to collect relevant data. National and international journal articles, conference papers, textbooks, online information sources etc. were accessed and reviewed. Findings on research objective one revealed that there are several types of serials information resources found in medical libraries which include medical journals, specialized medical magazines, medical newsletters, medical literature reviews, clinical practice guidelines, patient education materials, medical research bulletins etc. On research objective two, findings show that medical libraries can provide several types of library and information services to medical and allied health personnel, such as collection development, user-centred access, clinical decision making, current awareness services, reference and research support, collaboration and networking etc. On the third and last research objective, findings revealed that medical libraries in tertiary healthcare organisations can improve patient care and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and development among their organizational staff through giving priority to sensitising medical and allied health personnel about serials information resource utilisation. It is recommended that medical libraries should provide proactive approach to serials information resource provision and should imbibe the culture of continuous sensitization in order to foster serials resource utilization, which is essential in the ever-changing healthcare facilities among medical and allied health personnel in Nigeria.