A ResourceShelf Favorite: The Redesigned MedlinePlus is Now Live
As we have said many times, MedlinePlus is often the first place we turn for health/medical info. Not only do they provide a wide range of content from U.S. government medical sources (NIH, for example) but they also find and evaluate content from other sources.
We also included a link to a preview providing an overview of the new design The preview is still online and is worth a look.
The new site uses plenty of color but still has plenty of white space to make for a clean look.
We could say at this point go and take a look around but since we're already in a MedlinePlus state of mind, we want to take a few moments and share a few resources that we think are worth knowing about.
In terms of the homepage itself it contains links to three excellent ready reference tools. The only issue is that the links to these resources are a bit small. Yes, it helps the page look more visually appealing but these are incredibly useful reference tools. Perhaps the MedlinePlus team can find a better place for them on the homepage. The three resources are:
...includes over 4,000 articles about diseases, tests, symptoms, injuries, and surgeries. It also contains an extensive library of medical photographs and illustrations.
You can also review the A.D.A.M. editorial process and medical review board on this web page.
We also like the layout of what is perhaps the most well known feature of MedlinePlus, the "Health Topic" pages. Presently, over 800 topic pages are available and they're constantly being updated with new content that has been reviewed by professionals health, medical, and information professionals.
If you review the list the 800 titles, you'll also see that some terms have cross-references that will of course make retrieval easier. For example, if someone browses for Avian Influenza it provides a cross-reference and link to Bird Flu. Of course, going from a very general term to a more common and specific term is also possible. For example "Baby Blues" takes the user to Postpartum Depression.
The top-level heading videos and cool tools is excellent. It makes you want to click and see what's available and what's "cool." You'll find surgery videos, anatomy videos and some amazing interactive tutorials. Cool tools include several calculators, a tutorial on medical words, and something that we are always happy to see MedlinePlus offers, a tutorial on evaluating health information.
We will talk about MedlinePlus search after we've had more time to use it (we usually browse the site) but if you used to loved Vivisimo and Clusty you'll be happy. Vivisimo powers MedlinePlus search. From what we can tell, the database has over 35,000 indexed tems including the topic pages, links to other info sites, videos/tutorials, and other types of content.
Finally, one more part of MedlinePlus that's a valuable resource (it's free however) for those with an interest in health information and/or build collections of health and medical data for their libraries/organizations.
It used to be two email lists but it now appears it has become one. A subscription to the Stay Connected newsletter is a must.
You'll find the subscription box at the bottom of the right column.
Enter your email address.
Then select from a large number of categories from health conditions to news about NIH. When new material is added to MedlinePlus that matches your profile, you'll be among the first to know. In many ways it's a free collection development resource.
We are going to spend more time with MedlinePlus and focus on their search technology. We hope you also spend some time getting a feel for what's available whether you've visited many times and want to see the redesign or a newbie, who wants to get to know a well organized and large collection of high quality health/medical data for the consumer.
Overall, a big tip of the cap and kudos to the entire MedlinePlus team in Bethesda, MD. Well done not only for the redesign but with all of the other content you continue to provide.
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