Medical Librarianship as a Risk Management Strategy: Case Files and Discussion

Abstract

“Knowledge practice gaps” are instances where a dichotomy occurs between recognized medical evidence and what actually happens in medical practice. Gaps in medical knowledge invite preventable risks. Medical librarians are uniquely situated to both identify and address practitioners' gaps in medical knowledge. By serving in a risk management capacity, medical librarians can help health care facilities to avoid unnecessary hazards that come about as a result of knowledge practice gaps. This article attempts to identify areas of potential risk caused by knowledge practice gaps. Case reports illustrate key concepts.

Keywords:

• case reports
• Internet
• knowledge
• medical librarians
• practice gaps
• risk management
• search strategies