These modules are designed to help the healthcare workforce (clinical and non-clinical) build confidence to search published literature for articles and evidence relevant to their work, study and research. The modules are short (each taking no more than 20 minutes to complete) and may be ‘dipped into’ for reference, or completed to obtain a certificate. There are seven modules suitable for novice searchers and those wishing to refresh their knowledge:

Building the Foundations

• Module 1 - Introduction to Searching

• Module 2 - Where do I start searching?

• Module 3 - How do I start to develop a search strategy?

Developing the Skills

• Module 4 - Too many results? How to narrow your search

• Module 5 - Too few results? How to broaden your search

• Module 6 - Searching with subject headings

Applying the Skills

• Module 7 - Searching the NHS Knowledge & Library Hub and bibliographic databases

For more details, please click here.

The critical appraisal programme has been designed to enable the healthcare workforce (clinical and non-clinical) to build confidence in the critical appraisal process when applying and evaluating research.

As the next step to research review, critical appraisal is the process of assessing the reliability, importance, and applicability of evidence. It can be applied to a range of written work such as formal research projects, studies and professional development to check validity and determine value.

This programme aims to support NHS colleagues with understanding the different methods and tools to carry out critical appraisal of research, through 8 bite-sized modules.

This elearning programme includes 8 sessions.

1. Introduction to critical appraisal
2. Introduction to equity considerations in critical appraisal
3. Introduction to critical appraisal of randomised controlled trials
4. Introduction to interpreting results for critical appraisal
5. Introduction to critical appraisal of systematic reviews
6. Introduction to critical appraisal of qualitative studies
7. Introduction to critical appraisal tools
8. Critical Appraisal Evaluation

For more details, please click here.

The Cochrane Library Training Hub aims to guide you through using the Cochrane Library by providing access to quick training videos, user guides and webinars. Access the Cochrane Library: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/

A 2015 MOOC by the LIHNN Clinical Librarians has been turned into a set of six standalone e-learning modules, freely available at:

https://www.lksnorth.nhs.uk/resources/literature-searching-modules/

The modules were developed for librarians, but will be helpful to anyone looking to improve their knowledge and skills around effective literature searching.