Knowledge and Library Services
The Training Hub, in partnership with UHCW Knowledge and Library Services, has launched a pilot scheme providing dedicated knowledge and library support for Primary Care staff across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Aims of this Pilot Scheme
We’re pleased to share that Coventry and Warwickshire Training Hub are partnering with UHCW Knowledge & Library Services to offer dedicated library support for all Primary Care staff across the region until the end of March 2026.
Through this pilot scheme, we hope to:
- Increase awareness and usage of NHS Core Content in Primary Care.
- Support evidence-based clinical decision-making, service development and evaluation.
- Provide training and CPD opportunities in information literacy and soft skills.
- Offer 1:1 support from a dedicated Librarian, specialising in information literacy.
This is a fantastic opportunity for colleagues to build confidence in accessing evidence, strengthen professional skills, and enhance patient care.
Meet your Librarian
Beth Jackson has been the Knowledge Skills Librarian at UHCW since 2020 and is responsible for delivering a programme of information skills training to support both clinical and non-clinical staff.
Sessions are typically focused on core research skills, such as literature searching in healthcare databases and basic principles of critical appraisal. All sessions can be tailored to support different levels of confidence, experience and specialties.
Beth will be working for CWTH one day a week and will be delivering a series of training sessions online over the coming months, available to all. You’ll also be able to book online 1:1 sessions too. So, if you are interested in learning more about the resources available to you and brushing up on your research skills, get in touch: Beth.Jackson@uhcw.nhs.uk
Upcoming Sessions
Introduction to searching the NHS Knowledge Hub
Join us for an introduction to the NHS Knowledge Hub and explore the resources available to primary care staff via the NHS National Core Content subscriptions.
Using BMJ Best Practice to support patient care
BMJ Best Practice is a clinical decision support tool that provides healthcare professionals with continually updated information on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical conditions.
Smart Searching: writing effective search strategies
This session is ideal for beginners and a refresher for anyone who hasn’t searched the evidence-base recently. It pairs with our Literature Searching in Healthcare Databases session, using tools like Ovid.
For a full list of upcoming sessions, please check the Training Hub calendar or view this PDF for more information. If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled sessions, you are welcome to get in touch to arrange a 1:1 appointment, or a small group session for your team instead. Email Beth.Jackson@uhcw.nhs.uk to discuss your requirements.
Your Evidence Resources
All NHS staff have access to a wide range of evidence-based resources via the National Core Content Collection, including journals, eBooks, databases, and the point-of-care tool BMJ Best Practice. This pilot scheme aims to help primary care teams make the most of these valuable resources.
OpenAthens Access
You can register online for an OpenAthens account here:
https://openathens.nice.org.uk/
For Primary Care colleagues in Coventry and Warwickshire:
- Where possible, register using your work email address or a workplace PC
- When selecting your organisation, type ‘Midlands‘ and choose
- Primary care and ICB staff in the Midlands and East of England or
- Other eligible staff in the Midlands and East of England
If your OpenAthens account is not working, contact the central Knowledge Hub Service Desk:
Email: helpdesk@knowledgehub.freshservice.com
NHS Knowledge and Library Hub
The NHS Knowledge and Library Hub brings together high quality, NHS funded evidence resources in one place, using a single search.
Through the Hub you can:
- Search journal articles, e-books, guidelines and evidence summary tools
- Access full text content where available as an immediate download
- Avoid the less-reliable sources you may find in a general search
Access the Hub:
NHS Knowledge and Library Hub
https://library.nhs.uk/knowledgehub/
If you need to carry out more advanced searching, for example for a literature review, you can access healthcare databases here:
Resources for advanced searching
https://library.nhs.uk/knowledgehub/resources-for-advanced-searching/
All NHS e resources require an OpenAthens account.
BMJ Best Practice
BMJ Best Practice is a point of care tool available to all NHS staff in England. It provides:
- Step by step guidance on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention
- Medical calculators, how to videos and patient information leaflets
- Content developed with more than 1,600 international authors and 2,500 peer reviewers
You can access BMJ Best Practice here:
https://bestpractice.bmj.com/info
You will need your NHS OpenAthens username and password to sign up. Once registered, you can:
- Use BMJ Best Practice online
- Download and use the mobile app to access content at any time
Beth Jackson
If you’d like to find out more about the pilot, or how Beth can support you and your team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: Beth.Jackson@uhcw.nhs.uk.
We’re here to help you make the most of the resources available, build confidence in using evidence, and support your professional development.