What does this mean for libraries?
The report suggests that it is it is ‘increasingly important to ensure that the clinical workforce is equipped to appraise and generate evidence’ (p. 11). Libraries can support the appraisal of evidence with the provision of critical appraisal training, either provided in-house or through organising external trainers. On a day to day basis, libraries can signpost to resources such as the CASP critical appraisal checklists, or to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, for example.
LKS staff can also get involved in creating systematic reviews, perhaps by designing and carrying out search strategies, providing advice on databases, or advising on where to publish. Where a librarian has made a significant contribution, this should be acknowledged through being listed a co-author.
LKS staff can get involved with local Research and Development or Innovation committees, to advocate for library services and also gain a better understanding of the local issues.
Many LKS services are already managing staff publications repositories, to track and promote local research publications, and these could include conference abstracts, poster presentations and innovations such as those published on Fab NHS Stuff.
Source: Royal College of Physicians
Date of publication: November 2019
Summary of driver:
This reports suggests how NHS Trusts can support staff to become more research active, and how this will benefit both patients and staff.
Involvement by staff in research can improve their morale, and is shown to help recruitment and retention of staff. One finding is that staff lack protected time to do research, and this reports suggests that this should be a key priority. Two-thirds of RCP members surveyed said they want to do more research.
Patient outcomes in Trusts that are more research-active are better, and CQC inspections include research activity in their remit.
Patients feel more valued by being involved in research, learn more about their treatment, and gain a sense of pride in helping others.
Research tends to be concentrated in certain areas such as the South East of England, or large urban areas. Smaller and rural hospitals must also be encouraged to become more research active and benefit from the research effect.
The report makes clear that research is more than clinical trials, and can include anything that provides new evidence, including robust service evaluation.
Tagged: Research and development