Supporting Evidence-Based Practice in Primary Care
Written by Sarah Thomas MSc(Econ) Evidence Support Librarian, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Nottinghamshire Alliance Training Hub, 20/12/2024
Background and Purpose
Brief Background: In September 2021, a proof-of-concept vanguard was launched, with 15 pilot test sites across England appointing a Primary Care Evidence Support Librarian initially for a 2-year fully funded term. In Nottingham and Notts this was later funded for a further year by the ICB.
Purpose: to enable primary care staff to access and use evidence from published research and best practice, to underpin decision making.
Aims and Objectives
Saving staff time
Supporting evidence-based practice
Evidence and literature searches to improve your learning
Evidence to improve your business / practice
Guidance on accessing e-resources / using OpenAthens
Training / refreshers on database searching and using electronic resources
Current Awareness - regular email updates on specific areas of interest
Enquiry service
Document supply service
Training
Group and 1-2-1 teaching sessions were offered.
Regular training sessions:
Basic Literature Searching using the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub
Advanced Database searching
Easy Access to Journal Articles
Introduction to BMJ Best Practice point-of-care clinical tool
Additional training sessions tailored for particular groups:
Poster Design and Writing for Publication
Introduction to Infographics
Health Literacy Awareness
Critical appraisal of qualitative research
Getting suitable literature for your project
Literature / Evidence Searches
Literature / Evidence searches were carried out for:
Patient care
Support projects e.g. GP Fellowships
Support updates to guidelines / Clinical
Pathway design
Research
Writing for publication
Inform / update training sessions
Examples of searches:
Methods of engaging patients with prediabetes, and empowering patient knowledge of prediabetes
Using digital communications to assist with patient engagement with their care
Barriers to patients using statins / lipid lowering drugs in primary care
Targeted Lung Health Checks and DNAs / non-attendance in the UK
Is occupational therapy group work in a community setting effective In adults experiencing mental health difficulties?
What is the return on investment / cost benefit of CPD for primary care staff?
Methods / approaches to Training Needs Analyses, for primary care / healthcare
Assessment and management of frozen shoulder
DNA rates and reasoning in mental health services in the UK. Whether there are any correlations / strategies to address in FCP MH roles
Results and Impact
Particular support was offered to:
Phoenix Programme - Mid career and Senior Career GP Fellows Evidence searches to support projects, enquiry service, group teaching sessions and bespoke 1-2-1 teaching sessions
General Practice Nurse Fellowship - Teaching sessions on “An Introduction to Evidence Support Services”, “Basic Literature Searching using the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub” and “Advanced Database Searching (Cinahl)”
Non-clinical fellowship - Teaching sessions on “Getting Suitable Literature for your Project”, “How to Produce a Poster to Showcase Non-Clinical Projects” and “A Basic Introduction to Canva”
Trailblazer GPs - Tailored “Basic and Advanced Literature Searching” teaching sessions
Other staff groups:
Senior Career GPs - Introduction to Infographics
Research Community of Practice - Evidence searches
CDA - Evidence searches for members of the CDA
ACPs - Series of teaching sessions on basic and advanced literature searching
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians - tailored teaching sessions
Dieticians - tailored teaching session
ARRs roles
OT Governance meeting
Hybrid placement students
Statistics
Overall Statistics for the project:
107 Literature / Evidence searches carried out
114 Training sessions delivered
469 people received training
Statistics by year:
Anonymous Feedback
“Found the course really helpful to help me with my project”
“Was great and straight to the point”
“It will save so much time and help with future learning”
“Great presentation. Really appreciate it”
“Thank you – informative, helpful and well delivered”
“I was not aware of the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub before this session. I have now been able to share this information with my colleagues”
“It was brilliant thank you just what I needed!”
“Very efficient and thorough service, thank you”
Conclusion and Future Direction
Conclusion: Embedding an evidence-support librarian in primary care has enhanced clinical decision-making by providing timely, tailored access to high-quality research and evidence-based resources, ultimately improving patient outcomes and supporting efficient, informed practice.
Next Steps:
Evidence Support page on the NATH website will remain in situ for signposting
Recordings of all regular teaching sessions will be available on the NATH website.
Access to core content will still be available.
For more information on which resources you have access to, go to: www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/knowledge-and-library-services-for-notts-ics
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