Literature searching (or evidence searching as it is sometimes known) is a service that can be provided by NHS librarians.
What is it? If you have a question relating to your practice, whether clinical or non-clinical, library professionals can perform a search and find relevant evidence-based papers published in reputable journals that will help you find the answer. This will ensure that any decisions you make, procedures you and your colleagues perform, or information you provide to patients is always evidence based.
Once a qualified librarian has carried out a search you will be sent a list of results containing the abstracts (summaries) of relevant articles. Many will have hyperlinks meaning that you can click through and read the full-text of the article right away if it sounds useful.
If there is no hyperlink it means the library may not subscribe to that particular journal or perhaps has it in print only. You can still get hold of the text if you want it by filling out an article request form and the library will endeavor to source a copy for you, such as from another NHS library or perhaps from the British Library. If we have to do this there may be a small charge but we will always tell you in advance if there are going to be costs involved.
What are the advantages of asking the library for a search? Library staff can save you time - we are used to carrying out searches and will most likely be quicker. We also have professional knowledge and know the relevant databases to search that will produce the best results.
How do I request a search? You can request a search by completing our on line request form for either a clinical question or non-clinical question or by popping in to the library and filling out a form. To get the best results, particularly for more complex questions, it is often good to discuss your requirements with a librarian over the phone or face to face and then we have a full understanding of your search requirements.
Who can ask for a search? Anyone who works at UHNM can ask for a search and library staff both at County and the Royal Stoke can do this for you. Staff working in partner organisations may also be eligible to have literature searches carried out by our outreach team. If you are a student we are not able to carry out searches related to your studies. However we can assist you with search skills and teaching you how to form a search strategy so you can carry out a search yourself. Read about training options here: https://www.keele.ac.uk/healthlibrary/training/
Recent feedback on our searches:
"Elizabeth's help with carrying out these literature searches has been absolutely invaluable and will ultimately provide evidence to significantly influence patient pathway and the improve the service we provide for our patients".
"The range of literature searches carried out will provide the basis for educational, service and publication to benefit UHNM and further afield".
