Technology Improvement: ASSIST Laptops for Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The goal of the project is to obtain extra laptops so the ASSIST Volunteers, as well as the Community Resource Partners, will have the ability to connect more Care Receivers to community resources using technology that they may be unable to afford or navigate on their own. In this way, ASSIST can increase their effectiveness in their outreach to the needy in 95 Flathead County. The main audience to benefit from our proposed technology improvements will be the Care Receivers. Care Receivers are previous patients who have been discharged from the hospital and are now in their home. They are connected with resources to help regain their health and independence, but many available resources require internet services which they typically do not have. Increasing the number of laptops and connection to internet services by the ASSIST Volunteers will increase the number of Care Receivers receiving resources. Care Receivers health information needs vary based upon the nature of their diagnosis and recovery plan. The two Medical Librarians will provide two group training sessions to educate staff and volunteers regarding online resources and how to access those resources, focusing on Pharmacy & Supplements and Social Determinant of Health Resources. The Medical Librarians will also participate in monthly multidisciplinary ASSIST team meetings to suggest appropriate online resources for the cases being discussed.