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Summary
NHS librarians are crucial for supporting evidence-based practice by leveraging their information retrieval skills to assist clinicians. Professional development programs enhance these skills, integrating library support into healthcare research and development strategies.
Area of Science:
- Health Sciences
- Library and Information Science
Background:
- Clinicians often lack time and skills for effective scientific evidence retrieval.
- Librarians possess advanced search, retrieval, and knowledge management capabilities.
- Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) presents opportunities for librarians to support a knowledge-based National Health Service (NHS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of NHS librarians in supporting Evidence-Based Practice.
- To advocate for the integration of library support into the NHS R&D Strategy.
- To propose principles for library provision in support of research and development.
Main Methods:
- Editorial in Health Libraries Review outlining the potential of EBP for librarians.
- Development of innovative professional development programs for NHS librarians.
- Preparation of a paper for the NHS Executive R&D Board on integrating library support into R&D strategy.
Main Results:
- NHS librarians are well-positioned to assist clinicians in finding and evaluating scientific evidence.
- Professional development programs have been established to enhance librarian skills.
- Library support for EBP has been formally integrated into workshops for clinicians.
- A paper proposing principles for library provision in R&D was endorsed by NHS R&D committees.
Conclusions:
- NHS librarians play a vital role in facilitating Evidence-Based Practice.
- Formal integration of library services into R&D strategies is recommended.
- Continued professional development is essential for librarians to support a knowledge-based healthcare system.