Patient and Public Information delivery through NHS library and knowledge services: how Knowledge for Healthcare changed the landscape

Abstract

Health care library and knowledge services (LKS) are now expected to contribute to the provision of Patient and Public Information (PPI). The challenges of an ageing population, prevalence of long‐term conditions and the encouragement of patients to self manage give added impetus. The Knowledge for Health care PPI Task and Finish Groups developed strategic partnerships with national organizations and produced a suite of resources to support LKS staff. Outputs include guidance, workshop materials, an Ideas Bank and Guide to NHS Choices. The work of the PPI Task and Finish groups will continue to support staff as they develop activities and evidence its impact.

Increasing participation by National Health Service knowledge and library services staff in patient and public information: The role of Knowledge for Healthcare, 2014–2019

“…Using the Task and Finish group approach meant that NHS knowledge and library services staff shaped resources that would be useful for their peers. Group members also became advocates for a change in the landscape of health librarianship (Case et al, 2017 ). As a general approach, involvement in the creation of resources is more appealing than involvement in ongoing maintenance of tools, so thought needs to be given to how resources will be maintained after the initial development work has been completed.…”