Casting a wider net: Improving access to medical literature in developing countries

The digital library model represents an opportunity to make an exponential advance in providing high-bandwidth access to critically needed health care information at a relatively low cost. Journal editorial boards and medical publishers have expressed their enthusiastic support for the digital library model in developing countries. In appropriate settings, handheld tools with access to synthesized medical information can also facilitate the provision of high-quality evidence-based medicine. One of the purposes of this commentary is to stimulate additional support and innovation around these concepts. As Dr Larry Ebert, one of the founders of Africa Partners Medical, often stated, "No one of us can solve the immense health care needs of the African continent, but together we can make a difference." Working together, medical publishers, medical educators, and computer technologists can improve access to current medical literature and thereby improve the delivery of quality health care in less-developed countries around the world.