Information Resources for Medical Students: Health Outcomes and Policy

There are numerous peer-reviewed journals that you are encouraged to consult, and you can search within these journals using the library’s E-Journals- the journals are here linked to the library catalog.  Some examples are listed below.

*Note: In order to access the full text of these journals electronically, remember to connect to the UF Network using one of the Libraries' Off-Campus Access options.*  

Here are some resources that may be useful when evaluating online information.

GATOR is an acronym to help you remember important components of website evaluation.

GATOR
Genuine
Accurate
Trustworthy Origin
Readability

Genuine -

Is the website or resource authentic? Look for the identity of the site sponsor and the length of time the site has been up.

Accurate -

Is the material free from error? Error may be from misinformation or from a lack of updating to represent new discoveries. Is the website current? When was it last updated?

Trustworthy -

Is the information true and reliable? Look for references. Consider the author's credentials and affiliations with academic, non-profit, and government organizations.

Origin -

Origin means the producer of the material. Is the information produced by a reputable hospital or pharmaceutical company.

Readability -

This refers to the ease with which you can read the material. Is it too elementary, too technical, or too advanced?

Reference: Educating patients to evaluate web-based health care information: the GATOR approach to healthy surfing. Weber BA, Derrico DJ, Yoon SL, Sherwill-Navarro P. J Clin Nurs. 2009 Jun 17. HONcode - Health on the Net Foundation

Note: these sites will be updated and changed based on changes in policy, pressing health issues, and other emergent concerns so be sure to document when you visit and don't expect that the home page story will always be the same.

Resources for specific demographic groups

• Native American and Alaska Natives can access care through the Indian Health Service (for more information on resources for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiians, see below)- https://www.ihs.gov/urban/aboutus/
• US Department of Health & Human Services - Office of Minority Health https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/ 
• Americans with Disabilities Act- https://www.ada.gov/
• Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida- http://cilncf.org/
• Veterans Affairs- https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/
• Health Information Resources for Diverse Populations (guide by UF librarian Jane Morgan-Daniel)

Resources by geography

• National Rural Health Association Programs - https://www.ruralhealthweb.org/programs
• Rural Health Information Hub - Topic Guides https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics

Cancer- Is often a life changing diagnosis and a costly one that requires treatment over an extended period of time.  Someone with a new diagnosis may need medical information and information on treatment.  Often they also will need to look for resources to help them navigate care, costs, transportation, emotional support, and a community.  What they may need to search for is information on organizations that help them with all of the above.  There are a number of groups exist to provide people with cancer help navigating the healthcare system and living with their diagnoses.  Some may focus more on resources, or education, or providing supportive communities.  Some may do it all.

• Patient Advocate Foundation- a group providing information, and resources (including help with copay) for patients-  https://www.patientadvocate.org/ - not specific to cancer but helpful for patients
• The Assistance Fund- highly rated charity providing funds for care and associated costs- https://tafcares.org/
• Cancer care: resources- https://www.cancercare.org/publications/60-finding_resources_in_your_community
• Cancer support community- https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/resources  
• National Cancer Institute- resources for patients- https://www.cancer.gov/resources-for/patients
• CDC Information for specific types of cancer- Resources for covering breast cancer diagnosis, and diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer- https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/breast-cancer.html
• Managing costs for breast cancer care/finding resources to cover the care - https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/covering-cost-of-care  
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners - Shopper's Guide to Cancer Insurance (2006 but appears to be most recent edition)  https://www.naic.org/documents/prod_serv_consumer_guide_cancer.pdf
• American Cancer Society- https://www.cancer.org/    Note: has local groups that can help individuals connect with community.
• Imerman Angels- https://imermanangels.org/ Connects people who are newly diagnosed with an individual mentor who has had the same type of cancer.
• For young adults with cancer, Stupid Cancer is an organization providing community and support as well as access to numerous resources addressing every aspect of the experience from work to family to treatment  https://stupidcancer.org/resources/

Oral/Dental Health

• Administration for Community Living - Oral Health Programs  (oral health for older adults only)
• American Dental Association - Understanding Dental Insurance Issues 
• American Dental Education Association - Examining America's Dental Safety Net (2018)
• American Academy of Periodontology - For Patients and Treatments & Procedures
• American Student Dental Association - Dentistry and Health Care
• Code of Federal Regulations § 3.381  (dental coverage for VA benefits) 
• Healthcare.gov - Dental Coverage in the Marketplace (preview health plans with dental and stand-alone dental plans for adults and children
• Medicare.gov - Dental Services
• Mouth Healthy (American Dental Association's Consumer Health Portal) - Dental Benefits: Paying for Dental Care
• National Network for Oral Health Access 

There are specific organizations set up to provide care, although the services can be limited due low funding levels, or made confusing depending on whether they are living on a reservation.  And Native Americans also are able to purchase to health insurance or get it through employers. The Indian Health Service (IHS) was set up to cover care for American Indians who are members of federally recognized tribes.  This care can be limited since the IHS is underfunded, and much of the care is provided by specific centers.

Note: The Indian Health Service is the federal organization designated to provide care for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Care for Native Hawaiians is slightly different.

Florida Tribes

Native Hawaiian