Recognising value: the impact of Library & Knowledge Services literature searches
In 2024/25 NHS librarians in Scotland provided over 1300 literature searches, evidence summaries or evidence synthesis. The NHS Scotland libraries value and impact report 2024/25 presents an overview of the value and impact of NHS Scotland Knowledge and Library Services, with a particular focus on the contribution of literature searches and evidence summaries to health and social care organisations.
This report includes a range of impact case studies that showcase how library services have directly influenced outcomes in areas such direct patient care, CPD and education, policy development and research support.
In addition, the report includes annual data from April 2024 to March 2025, detailing activity across both physical and digital library services.
NHS Scotland Librarians adding value and impacting care
NHS Scotland libraries value and impact report 2024/25
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Key messages
NHS Library and Knowledge Services are there to support patient care, staff and service delivery.
- In 2024-25 over 1300 literature searches, evidence summaries or evidence synthesis were provided.
- 160 current awareness bulletins were created, many for a national audience.
- 749 training and outreach activities were undertaken.
Main themes from the impact case studies fall into four broad themes and some case studies span more than one.
- Direct patient care: these studies examined a clinical related question that would address practice within a clinical area and possibly a change in policy.
- Continuing professional development and education: this included how a service assisted a journal club or how a literature search impacted on a career framework.
- Policy development: This covered national and local organisations and was looking at reviewing policy and guidelines in a subject area. It included public health questions, national reviews for emergency medicine and improvement in prescribing.
- Research support: this consisted of a background search to allow for future research to take place.
Impacts included:
- Staff ability to effectively horizon scan
- Development of toolkits to support reflective practice
- Identification of mental health outcome measures
- Staff being successful in their CPD or academic achievements
- Research and case study publication support
- Improving communication with service users
- Saving staff time
- Staff were able to follow best current practice
- Treatment planning and patient pathways were evidence based
- Support of service reviews and research
- Influence on national guidance
- Supported applications for areas needing further research
- Financial cost savings for a service
Newsletter text
Recognising Value: The Impact of Library & Knowledge Services Literature Searches
Library and Knowledge Services in NHS boards across Scotland undertake a variety of work on behalf of the staff and services within their board.
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 report.
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
Take a look at the case studies and see the range of work that NHS Library and Knowledge Service provide.
NHS Scotland libraries value and impact report 2024/25 report.
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Title: Recognising Value: The Impact of Library & Knowledge Services Literature Searches
The NHS Scotland libraries value and impact report 2024/25 report is now available on The Knowledge Network.
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 report.
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
NHS Scotland libraries value and impact report 2024/25 report.