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CD-ROM Reviews

Harvard Electronic Anesthesia Library (HEAL; 2001). $395 USD. ISBN 0-7817-1408-7

Cleveland, Ohio

Edited by Michael T. Bailin, M.D. of Harvard University, the Harvard Electronic Anesthesia Library (HEAL) was designed from its conception as a new means of self-study and review in the field of anesthesia. The authors’ stated goals are to: "1) comprehensively cover the field; 2) allow for interactive training and practice through videos and questions; 3) provide self-assessment and review; and 4) enable us to keep pace with cutting edge technology and research". In this respect the authors have certainly succeeded, producing a valuable and dynamic work that is comprehensive, well-organized and well thought out.

HEAL contains 12 sections, with each section containing up to 14 heavily illustrated chapters. Almost every conceivable topic related to anesthesia is covered, including an entire section on the topic of airway management and chapters on molecular mechanisms of anesthesia, electrical hazards in the operating room, and many other topics not always covered well in anesthesia textbooks. A set of examination questions appears at the end of each chapter, where one can answer the questions, view the correct answers, and link to the associated text for more details. A "notes" feature allows one to view, add, and delete personal notes for a topic. As well, images and tables may be saved for use in your own presentations.

I found installation on a Windows 95 test platform to be particularly easy. I also found HEAL to be easy to use and navigate, despite a rich offering of text, references (many with links to abstracts), figures, tables and video clips. HEAL also has an excellent search engine where users can enter keywords or Boolean expressions ("and", "or", "not" and parentheses) for conducting searches. When the sought information is found, users can also copy and paste the material into a Word document or elsewhere for later review.

The program has its minor problems. It was designed for use with the Netscape version 4.72 browser and the Quick-Time media player (both are included on the CD-ROM), and I soon discovered that the use of other browsers or media players may lead to troubles in playing the video clips. Also, the "Back" button on the browser may not always return one to the previous page. Users should also be aware that because HEAL is a Web browser-based product, TCP/IP must be installed to your computer before you can use it (if your computer can surf the Net, you will be ok). Finally, If you use a proxy server, changing its settings may be necessary.

HEAL has many strengths that readers will find to be attractive. For me, the vast assortment of high-quality images was what impressed me the most. Others will marvel at how well integrated the material is. Truly, HEAL represents the future of the clinical textbook.

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a scholarly reply Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Doyle, D. J. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Doyle, D. J.