- 148: Health Info Libr J. 2006 Dec;23(4):266-74
A pilot project of a cancer patient library in Italy: results of a customer-satisfaction survey and its products.Truccolo I, Bianchet K, Capello F, Russell-Edu W, Dal Maso L, Colombatti A, Ciolfi L, Tirelli U, De Paoli P.
Scientific and Patient Libraries, CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of satisfaction of users of the Cancer Information Point section of the Library for Patients (CIP-LP), active since 1998 at the National Cancer Institute of Aviano, Italy. The CIP-LP is based on a skilled intermediary, adequate informative material and a specific location, within the Scientific Library of the Institute. Patients and methods: A survey was developed to assess service functionality and quality from the users' viewpoint. During a 6-month period, a questionnaire was mailed to 194 patients and relatives who previously used the CIP-LP; 113 (58%) were returned and processed. Results: Of the respondents, 91% were pleased with the CIP-LP and 95% would recommend the service to other people. The information obtained contributed to a clearer understanding of the illness and treatment (45% as first answer) and a better control of the situation (33%). Fifty-one per cent evaluated the information received as 'good', 42%'excellent' and 4%'of sufficient quality'. Conclusion: This survey shows the appreciation and usefulness in the users' perception of a specific hospital library for cancer patients and their relatives, providing an information service supplementary to doctor-patient communication.