ABSTRACT
This workshop will provide health science librarians and information professionals at any level/context with an overview of the best practices in finding and identifying the best scientific evidence during novel public health emergencies. Attendees will be presented with an overview of a best practices statement developed by the Librarian Reserve Corps. Attendees will then apply the recommendations from the best practices statement in designing a plan to respond to real-life case study/information request during a public health emergency. A discussion period will follow on how to apply the best practices in other contexts, environments, and cultures. Attendees will also be invited to share their own experiences and best practices during the discussion session. Through hands-on learning and discussion, librarians and information professionals at any level/context will develop strategies to find and critically appraise the best evidence in any novel public health emergency situation. Introduction: To inform the design of a consumer health strategy for a provincial health library system, the library sought to understand patient challenges and barriers in accessing quality sources of health information. Description: Over a period of three months in the winter of 2020-2021, the library engaged in semi-structured interviews with relevant clinical and corporate stakeholders. Program leads were asked about their role in consumer health information provision and support, and where they saw gaps and opportunities within the organization. Answers were themed and analyzed, and an internal report was produced to guide next steps in developing a consumer health strategy. Outcomes: The environmental scan showed that there are clear challenges and barriers for patients in accessing quality health information. Barriers include the duration of interaction with a healthcare practitioner;the specificity of patient information needs;and the organizational emphasis on a single enterprise-wide patient information resource. More significant challenges include language;lack of health information literacy skills;and low digital literacy among certain populations. Discussion: The environmental scan results provided strong rationale for developing a cohesive consumer health strategy for the library. They highlighted valuable but disjointed resources and programs throughout the organization. A Consumer Health Framework was drafted to guide the library in setting achievable goals and leveraging existing supports. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic it was not possible to engage directly with patients for the initial scan, however consultation with patient advisory groups is now being planned to check and validate the library’s direction.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Education England (HEE) mobilised a group of expert searchers from NHS libraries in England to develop a platform for librarians to share peer reviewed search strategies and results on the Knowledge for Healthcare website. OBJECTIVES: (1) To document the origins of the COVID-19 search bank, (2) evaluate attitudes of NHS librarians in England towards the search bank and (3) identify lessons learned and consider whether the initiative might be developed further. METHODS: Structured interviews with the peer reviewers (n = 10) were conducted, and a questionnaire survey of the NHS library community using the search bank was undertaken. RESULTS: The interviews confirmed the value of collaboration. Expert searchers worked in pairs to peer review submitted search strategies. The survey (85 responses) indicated that a majority had used the search bank, and approved of the project, with some differences of opinion on functionality and future developments. DISCUSSION: Collaborative working for the search bank probably saved time for individual NHS librarians. The quality of the searches submitted was variable as were librarians' approaches to presentation and development of search strategies. Peer review benefits from a buddy approach among expert searchers and agreement about feedback provided to contributors. CONCLUSION: Search strategies are the most useful element of a search bank. Peer review can be challenging and would benefit from a formal structure, but it is professionally rewarding.