title: Using a network menu and the UMLS Information Sources Map to facilitate access to online reference materials.
abstract: As computer technology advances, clinicians and biomedical researchers are becoming more dependent upon information from online databases and information systems. By using specially configured computer workstations and high-speed computer networks, it is now possible to access this information in a rapid and straightforward manner. To empower users by providing these capabilities, the authors are assembling a variety of network workstations to be located throughout Yale-New Haven Medical Center. At the heart of the workstation is NetMenu, a program designed to help users connect to a number of important online information systems, including a hospital order entry and results reporting system, a drug reference, bibliographic retrieval systems, and educational programs. In addition, as part of the National Library of Medicine's Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) project, the authors have developed a local prototype of the UMLS Information Sources Map (ISM) and a companion query assistant program to complement the NetMenu in helping users select and connect automatically to information services relevant to a particular question. The ISM query assistant draws from a listing of many online information sources accessible via local and international networks.
authors: Department of Anesthesiology Medical Informatics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
authors: J I
authors: JI
authors: Clyman
authors: S M
authors: SM
authors: Powsner
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Paton
authors: P L
authors: PL
authors: Miller
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D006801:Humans; D016239:MEDLINE; D009862:Online Systems; D012984:Software; D017432:Unified Medical Language System; D014584:User-Computer Interface