Information Skills Training
The Library & Knowledge Service offers training in finding and interpreting evidence-based information.
While our face-to-face training programme is suspended we can still help you to develop your information skills. Please browse our list of online training resources. If you'd like telephone or email support with information skills please contact Colin.Lynch@nhs.net (01709 427139). We are still able to offer some limited training in the library with social distancing in place: please contact Colin for further details.
While our face-to-face training programme is suspended we can still help you to develop your information skills. Please browse our list of online training resources. If you'd like telephone or email support with information skills please contact Colin.Lynch@nhs.net (01709 427139). We are still able to offer some limited training in the library with social distancing in place: please contact Colin for further details.
Our training is available in timetabled group sessions (view dates for the current programme), as one-to-one sessions in person or by telephone, or as bespoke group sessions to departments and teams. The following training is available:
|
AnatomyTV
An explanation of this interactive Anatomy package which allows images to be rotated, magnified and altered to show different aspects, e.g. muscles. It includes images, videos, MRIs and cross sectional images. Access via computers and tablets using an Athens password will be covered. Functions such as searching and saving images together with the quizzes and activities section will be demonstrated. More about AnatomyTV... |
|
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 Athens password will be explained. More... |
|
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. More... |
|
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. More... |
|
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. More... |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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 |
|
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. |
How to book
If you wish to book some training, please contact: Colin Lynch (01790 424642; colin.lynch@nhs.net) or Christine Roddis (01709 424644; c.roddis@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.