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Are you confident in Finding Evidence?

Do you know where to find robust, independent evidence and how to appraise evidence found critically?

NHS Knowledge and Library Hub

The NHS Knowledge and Library Hub connects NHS staff and learners to high quality knowledge and evidence resources in one place.
Funded by Health Education England, it includes:

  • journals, books and databases
  • clinical decision support resources including NICE Guidelines and BMJ Best Practice
  • resources purchased nationally and locally
  • one-click links to full-text, request a copy or contact an NHS library
  • The resource is free to access for NHS staff, trainees and students using you NHS Open Athens account.
    The resource can be found here: NHS Knowledge and Library Hub

    C-WorKS Knowledge Hub

    C-WorKS: COVID-19 consequences Want it? or Know it? Share it!
    C-WorKS has been set up to support the collation and sharing of knowledge and intelligence across the system about the impacts of COVID-19 (and the response to this) on non-COVID morbidity and mortality – to cover key areas of concern but also include any positive impacts.

    C-WorKS provides a forum to make links with people, groups and organisations who may have the intelligence you need, or those who are able to assist in answering your questions. Users can upload or describe information about work/work in progress in each area, share contact details, view information, pose questions and start discussions.

    How to access? C-WorKS is hosted by Public Health England and available via the Knowledge Hub Platform run by PHINE network group. You will need to register using the information below.

    C-WorKS_how to register slide
    C-WorKS flyer
    C-WorKS pro forma
    C-WorKS Introduction presentation


    NICE Open Athens
    allows non-cost access to a range of academic journals and hence evidence you may require. This is open to all NHS staff – NECS/CCGs.  Use the link to get aboard!  https://openathens.nice.org.uk/

    The team offer bespoke training to develop skills in research.  Contact us for more details – NECSU.RETeam@nhs.net or check the information in the “get involved” page.

    There are other useful websites, which include:

    https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/specialties/health-services-research.htm (National Institute for Health Research)

    https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/ (National Institute for HealthCare Excellence)

    https://research.ncl.ac.uk/napcr/ (Newcastle University, School of Primary Care Research)

    https://training.cochrane.org/essentials (Cochrane Evidence Essentials is an introduction designed for healthcare consumers (patients, care givers, family members), policy makers and members of the healthcare team

    Evidence based healthcare is not new. The whole of modern medical practice is based on observing which interventions were successful and trying to understand why they succeeded.
    The Health and Social Care Act (2012) places a Statutory Duty in respect of research on CCGs

    Each clinical commissioning group must, in the exercise of its functions, promote – (a) research on matters relevant to the health service, and (b) the use in the health service of evidence obtained from research. [Section 14Y Health and Social Care Act 2012].

    Evidence based decisions are those:
    •  which are taken on the basis of a full analysis of available evidence
    •  which are monitored and evaluated throughout implementation to ensure that they continue to deliver the desired outcomes
    NECS’ Research and Evidence team provide its customers with advice and support which are transparently evidence based.