Priya Chetty was thrilled when she learned that e-HLbc was opening its doors to affiliate members outside the province of British Columbia. “We didn’t have access to the evidence-based information that encourages best practices,” says Chetty, Mentorship Coordinator for Yukon Health and Social Services (YHSS). “Our staff struggled to access resources however we could.”

For example, when Daniela Meier’s colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Services needed an article, they would ask someone who was studying for an advanced degree to get them a copy from the databases available to students.

“The situation obviously wasn’t sustainable,” says Meier, Health Promotion Coordinator. “But it did help identify the critical need for easy access to current information and research.”

“Our mandate is evidence-based practice,” she continues. “To fulfill our mandate, we needed access to peer-reviewed journals. Now that we’ve joined the e-HLbc, everyone has easy access to this information.”

The health promotion unit covers sexual health, tobacco, nutrition, and injury prevention. It’s important for staff to be up to date on the latest research as it helps develop policy decisions, programs, promotions, and campaigns geared to the public.

“If you have the evidence behind you to make decisions, you feel more confident that you’re acting in the best interest of the client and the public.”

The staff of YHSS includes registered nurses, primary care nurses in the community, social workers, dietitians, therapists, health promotion specialists, policy analysts, and communications staff. YHSS also includes the Yukon Hospital Corporation.

“All of these groups, each with different knowledge and practice needs, now have access to e-HLbc resources,” says Chetty.

YHSS looked carefully at the resources available to them. They considered the needs and gaps in staff resources, what would be relevant, and importantly, what they could afford. “The cost to join the e-HLbc was not prohibitive, and afforded us maximum access to an excellent collection of resources” Chetty notes.

Staff members are now able to research independently their specific requirements right from their desktop. “It’s ready access. You can’t beat that.”