Recognising Value: The Impact of NHS Library & Knowledge Services Literature Searches
Category: Blog
In 2024/25 NHS librarians in Scotland provided over 1300 literature searches, evidence summaries or evidence synthesis. Case studies highlighting the impact of some of these searches have been summarised in the NHS Scotland libraries value and impact report 2024/25. The report outlines the method, measure, outcome and feedback of various case studies conducted over both the physical and online library services, and exists as a fantastic record of the depth and breadth of service NHS Librarians are offering.
The report demonstrates how these services have contributed to:
- Patient care
- Research support
- The continuing professional development and education of staff
- The development of policies
- Improved service delivery
An example of one such case study can be seen here:
NHS Forth Valley: Food status and the milk supply in breastfeeding women
Question: A search was requested to assist national and international groups looking at maternal and infant food insecurity and if these aspects affected the milk supply in breastfeeding women. The groups needed an evidence base and to know where the gaps were so they could develop policies and guidelines on this topic.
What was done: A literature search was undertaken.
Outcomes: The requestor indicated that the impact so far were that the issues raised by the search have been recognised in NICE guidelines and in a Scottish Government toolkit. A possible future impact is the search results will support the writing an academic series for a leading journal.
This infographic has also been created to showcase the valuable work that Librarians are doing across the NHS in Scotland. Click here to access a transcript of the infographic.
