Forward view: advancing health library and knowledge services in England

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Information Science
• Knowledge Management

Background:

• The National Health Service (NHS) faces challenges from an aging population and the need for evidence-based decision-making.
• Existing NHS library and knowledge services require transformation to meet evolving healthcare demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a new strategic direction for NHS library and knowledge services in England.
• To ensure equitable access to knowledge and evidence for all healthcare decision-makers.
• To drive service transformation, role redesign, and collaboration within NHS knowledge services.

Main Methods:

• The "Knowledge for Healthcare" initiative outlines a strategic vision for NHS library and knowledge services.
• Focus on service transformation, role redesign, and enhanced coordination.
• Emphasis on sustainable digital content access and mechanization of traditional tasks.

Main Results:

• A shift towards librarians acting as knowledge brokers and delivering business-critical services.
• Increased support for the NHS workforce in directing patients to high-quality information.
• Greater efficiency and effectiveness through cooperation and service mergers.

Conclusions:

• NHS library and knowledge services must adapt to become agile and future-fit.
• Librarians' expertise is crucial for mobilizing evidence, managing knowledge, and supporting patients.
• These transformations are key to improving patient care and safety within the NHS.