IAMSE and HEAL: Building a Digital Repository Together

For more than two years, members of The International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE) and the co-directors of the Health Education Assets Library (HEAL) have been working together to further the development of HEAL. HEAL is a digital repository that allows medical educators to discover, download, and re-use over 22,000 medical education resources. Through generous funding by IAMSE, HEAL is becoming a dynamic, user-centered digital environment to allow medical educators to share and discuss teaching resources and methods. This is being accomplished through the incorporation of key characteristics of Web 2.0 technologies into HEAL including user reviews of resources and user tagging (searchable keywords) of resources.

We know you have many questions, so we have compiled answers to your commonly asked questions:

I am ready to submit a resource today. Where should I send it? What is the difference between the types of resources published on HEAL and MedEdPortal?

HEAL publishes images, videoclips, animations, presentations, and audio files that support healthcare education. These are typically objects that can be used in a variety of presentations across multiple disciplines. MedEdPortal typically publishes more complete, stand-alone, resources such as tutorials, virtual patients, simulation cases, lab guides, videos, podcasts, and assessment tools.

How do I submit a resource to HEAL?

Click on “Submitting to HEAL” in the left hand menu. After your resource is accepted, it will be sent to the IAMSE mailing list to encourage members to review the resource using the HEAL user review system.

In addition to submitting resources, what else can I do in HEAL?

You can submit reviews of existing HEAL resources as well as adding keywords, or "tags," to existing resources. Both features require that you be logged into HEAL.

How do I add a user review?

First, log in to HEAL. (If you don't already have a HEAL account, you can register for one). Search for resources in a topic area you are interested in. Once you find a resource, click on "View full information or download." You will see the full information about the resource. Under the blue box with the basic information, click on "Write a review." You can then submit your review. Note your review can be anonymous if you wish.

When will my review be published?

The review will be published as soon as it is checked by HEAL staff (to avoid spam and inappropriate content).

How do I add keywords or tags to resources?

First, log in to HEAL. (If you don't already have a HEAL account, you can register for one). Search for resources in a topic area you are interested in. Once you find a resource, click on "View full information or download." You will see the full information about the resource. Under the blue box with the basic information, click on "Tag this resource." You can then add your tags separated by comments.

How will the tags be used in HEAL?

The tags are added to the HEAL database, so users who search with those terms will find the resource you tagged. In addition, the most widely used tags are part of the "tag cloud" displayed in "Top User Tags."

Is there training available regarding reviews and tagging?

Yes, online training materials (brief screen capture videos) are being developed for the user review and user tagging modules. Training will include HIPAA, copyright, and scholarship. Additionally, a Webcast Audio Seminar on user review and tagging is planned.

How can I find the most highly rated resources in HEAL?

In addition to the tag cloud, the "Top 10 Resources", those resources with the highest ratings will be displayed on the front page.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please feel free to contact one of the HEAL Co-Directors: Sharon Dennis at sdennis@lib.med.utah.edu or Sebastian Uijtdehaage at bas@mednet.ucla.edu, or one of the IAMSE representatives: Veronica Michaelsen at vem9x@eservices.virginia.edu or John Szarek at jszarek@tcmedc.org.