Title of project: Case Study Systematic Review
Title: NW Clinical Librarian Systematic Review
Lead library: No lead Library. Contributors from Salford University, Edge Hill University/Aintree Hospital, Univ Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, Bury PCT, Christie Hospital, Blackpool Hospital, NICE/Manchester University.
Summary: A systematic review into Clinical Librarianship will be published in HILJ Dec 2010. This is a collaborative project involving 8 Librarians from the North West. The project contributed to the professional body of work relating to Clinical Librarianship by delivering a Systematic review. In addition, the contributors also developed their own skills base and understanding of the processes involved; this learning will be shared through a reflective process model.
Partner organisations: LIHNN; HCLU
Key Audiences: Clinical Librarians; Library Managers
“The story”: The systematic review aimed to assess the most effective methods of evaluating clinical librarian services. The review was undertaken over a 2 year period and the learning achieved by all concerned was immense. In addition to the main aims of completing the project, the review also identified a dominant model of CL in the UK – one which differed to the original US model. Also through reflective processes the team hope to share their learning, to support other librarians in the health sector who wish to undertake this type of research. The processes involved will be outlined and shared at HLG 2010 and ultimately will be provided via a toolkit. All participants unanimously asserted that they would undertake such a venture again, but would be clearer about the time involved – this was perceived as a key barrier. The richness of the learning experience however, made the experience a worthwhile one.
How the initiative or service is delivered: The project will be published in HILJ Dec 2010 and was presented at EBLIP and ICML 2009. It will be presented at HLG in 2010
Customer involvement in this piece of work – or service development? This project did not involve customers as such.but enhanced understanding of the research process – skills which are integral to the post. By learning valuable skills in the systematic review process, this can be translated librarian support and advice for Trust staff undertaking this type of research.
Benefits of this case – activity – service – for the customer: All clinical librarians felt that it developed their skills and improved confidence in this area. This ultimately will enhance the delivery of librarian support for research (particularly systematic reviews). As a direct result of the experience, the CL at UHMBT felt able to cost librarian time for supporting a systematic review within the Trust.
Benefits for the library/libraries: Raises the profile of the library service within the Trust and the fact that CL’s are actively engaged in this type of work means that confidence in CL ability is improved.
Evaluation: None
Feedback: None as yet
Collaborative working: This regional collaboration across the Northwest has created links and allowed shared learning
Funding streams: Funding for the project was obtained from HCLU to cover some conference costs, purchase of Refworks, Ill’s
Lessons learned: TIME!!! Everyone underestimated the amount of work and time that this review would involve. Lessons learned will be documented in the toolkit and shared with others.
Sustainability; next steps? This project will come to an end shortly, but will be presented via 2 posters at HLG (SR findings; Processes and reflection).
There may be some follow up papers relating to the processes and a toolkit will be developed.
Sources of further information? Not available currently
Start date: April 2008
End date: 31.12.2010 (although may be extended if a further research report undertaken
Contact: Tracey Pratchett
Job title: Clinical Librarian
Telephone: (01524) 516224
e-mail: Tracey.pratchett@mbht.nhs.uk
Aligned to:
Local drivers
UHMBT Strategic Direction Document 2003-8 “We are here to provide … A resource for teaching and research and development, generating new knowledge leading to improvements in population health and in health care delivery”
National drivers
Hill review 2008 highlights that health libraries are essential for supporting clinical decision making, commissioning & policy making, life-long learning and research.
Darzi review
Date submitted: 22.6.2010
Tagged: Clinical librarians, Embedded librarians, North West, Systematic review