CHIS on demand Module 5: Communication, Reference, and Instruction

This class is designed for anyone interested in providing consumer health information to their community, with a focus on libraries and information centers. The goal of this class is to allow learners to earn up to 5 continuing education credit hours towards the Level 1 Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) from the Medical Library Association by taking modules 1-5. Modules that address competencies 7-8 are available to go toward Level 2.

Separate modules cover each Level 1 CHIS competency:

• Module 1: Know the Community
• Module 2: Know the Health Consumer 
• Module 3: Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources 
• Module 4: Evaluation of Health Information 
• Module 5: Communication, Reference, and Instruction 

Additional modules that cover Level 2 CHIS competencies:

• Module 7: Technology and Health
  
• Module 8: Ethics and Legal Issues
  

Modules can be completed in any order.

Each Module takes about 1 hour to complete and includes a reading and a knowledge check.

This class is provided entirely online and self-paced through the Moodle learning management system.

Resource URL: https://nnlm.gov/chis-on-demand

Learning Objectives

Through books and knowledge checks, learners will

1. Learn about the Consumer Health Information Specialization
2. Identify resources to identify characteristics of their community
3. Identify issues, barriers and the library’s role in providing medical information to health consumers
4. Identify MedlinePlus, PubMed, Clinical Trials and other NLM resources as sources for health information
5. List simple criteria to evaluate online health information
6. List 3 communication techniques and 2 ways to protect patron privacy during a health reference interview.

Agenda

Module 5: Communication, Reference, and Instruction 

By reading a book and taking a quiz, you will be able to:

• List at least 3 effective communication techniques to use during a health reference interview
• Differentiate between providing health information versus providing healthcare
• List at least 2 ways to protect patron or client privacy during the health reference interview
• Identify teachable moments with patrons or clients and effectively integrate educational tips to increase knowledge of health information resources

Activities

• Reading
• Quiz

MLA CE Credits: 1