​Information Skills Training

The Library & Knowledge Service offers training in finding and interpreting evidence-based information. ​We're also here to support journal clubs.

​We offer a rolling-programme of regular training sessions (listed below), supplemented with online guides and self-help materials.  If you'd like to attend a session but can't make the programme dates, please don't hesitate to contact us as we can find a time to suit you.  
UPDATE: Our rolling programme of training courses is currently on hold BUT we can still help you to develop your information skills. If you'd like telephone or email support with information skills please contact rgh-tr.libraryhealthcare@nhs.net (01709 427139).  And we are still able to offer some limited training in the library with social distancing in place: please contact us for further details.  In addition, listed next to our training sessions (below) are self-help materials. We've also put together an extra list of online training materials covering literature searching, critical appraisal, systematic reviews, study design and more.
Most of our online information resources require an NHS OpenAthens username and password. Find out more about registering and re-setting OpenAthens accounts. 
Our training is available in timetabled group sessions (currently on-hold during COVID-19), as one-to-one sessions in person or by telephone, or as bespoke group sessions to departments and teams. The following training is available:
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Using NICE Evidence Search: An Introduction
How to find high quality information on the internet using sources such as NICE Evidence Search, the TRIP database, e-journals and e-books.  The role of an NHS OpenAthens password will be explained. Contact us to book training and/or Read our guide to using NICE Evidence Search


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Effective Literature Searching: Using Healthcare Databases
This session explains how to access and search biomedical databases such as Medline & CINAHL to find specific published evidence for clinical practice, education or research.  It will include the opportunity to undertake your own searches with the assistance of library staff. Contact us to book training and/or watch our online literature searching training materials to help get you started.

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Finding the Best Evidence: Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Collection
This provides an introduction to systematic reviews, why they are important, how they are produced and their impact.  There will be an emphasis on practical examples including from the Cochrane Library. Contact us to book training and/or access online training material and read our guide to systematic reviews. 
Interpreting the Evidence: An Introduction to Critical Appraisal
An introduction to why it is important to evaluate evidence.  It covers how to consider the quality, results and local applicability through using a checklist on a relevant example of research. Contact us to book training and/or access online training material and read our guide to critical appraisal.


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Twitter: an overview of this social networking service
An explanation of this microblogging site and of good practice in the use of social media in general.  This session will cover setting up and using an account with an emphasis on finding quality information. Contact us to book training.  You may also be interested in the Twitter help pages, the BMA Ethics of Social Media Use and 'A Social Media Toolkit for the NHS' from NHS Employers.


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Evidence at the Point of Care: DynaMed and BMJ Best Practice.
An overview of how to access and search these resources that provide the latest research evidence on conditions in an easy to use format.  ​Contact us to book training and/or read our online guide to DynaMed and our online guide to BMJ Best Practice. 



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​How to reference your work
The importance of referencing will be explained followed by a description of the in text citation and the reference list.  Production of the reference list using the assistance of automatic reference generators will be demonstrated.  The coverage will be altered depending upon the style of referencing you are using including Harvard, Vancouver and APA. Contact us to book and/or find out more about referencing. 


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​Introduction to research design
This session introduces the most widely used types of healthcare research design to answer various questions.  Secondary, primary, quantitative and qualitative research will all be included and explained with the assistance of relevant examples. Contact us to book. 


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​An introduction to poster design
If you need to produce an academic poster for a conference or for an academic assignment this session will explain the basics of content and layout.  Examples of successful poster design will be included. Contact us to book and/or read more about how to get started from Manchester University's tips on creating Academic Posters and Liverpool University's Making an Impact with your Poster.
 
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Academic Writing: writing clearly and accessibly
This course covers the different kinds of assignments that you may be asked to undertake as part of an educational course.  It will also explain how to structure both the overall assignment and individual paragraphs within it.  Contact us to book. 


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​What are randomised controlled trials?
This course explains the basics of this common research design which is the best method for answering “what works” questions.  The most important elements such as randomisation and blinding will be described supported by relevant examples. Contact us to book. 


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​What is qualitative research?
An introduction to research that seeks to understand people’s beliefs, knowledge and understanding through methods such as focus groups and questionnaires.  The role and limitations of qualitative research will be discussed with the support of relevant examples. Contact us to book. You may also be interested in this overview of qualitative research methodology from Scribbr: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/qualitative-research. 


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How to book

If you wish to book some training, please contact: 01790 424642/44; rgh-tr.libraryhealthcare@nhs.net). ​Our training is available in a range of formats: 
  • Timetabled Group Sessions
    Many of the courses are advertised as part of our training programme across the hospital, Oak House and RCHC.  Please see the latest Information Skills Training Programme for dates and venues of forthcoming workshops.​

  • ​One to One Sessions
    If you wish to have an individual training session on any of the subjects please contact us to make an appointment at a time and location convenient to you.  This includes GP surgeries and other locations in the community.

  • ​Mediated Literature Searching
    If you are preparing for research or an assignment such as a dissertation we can offer you a personalised training session.  We can help you formulate your search question using the PICO formula and identify the relevant sources to search.  Using your Athens password we can demonstrate the HDAS search interface.  With your subject knowledge we can undertake a detailed and specific search and print out or save your results and search history.

  • Team and Departmental Training
    The workshops can also be delivered at in-house training events departmental meetings. The sessions can be tailored to your specific departmental needs and can include a combination of the themes on offer. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.​​

  • ​Journal Club Support Service
    The Library and Knowledge Service offer advice and practical assistance on how to setup and run a journal club, providing you with support and resources to help you do this.  We can also lead journal club sessions using our knowledge of the research literature and of critical appraisal.  Please visit our Journal Club Support Service page for more information.

  • Telephone Training
    ​Most of the above sessions can also be delivered over the telephone and internet access.  Please contact us to discuss your requirements.