Evaluating clinical librarian services : a systematic review

Brettle, A; Maden-Jenkins, M; Anderson, L; McNally, R; Pratchett, T; Tancock, J; Thornton, D; Webb, A

Abstract

Background: Previous systematic reviews have indicated limited evidence and poor quality evaluations
of clinical librarian (CL) services. Rigorous evaluations should demonstrate the value of CL services, but
guidance is needed before this can be achieved.
Objectives: To undertake a systematic review which examines models of CL services, quality, methods
and perspectives of clinical librarian service evaluations.
Methods: Systematic review methodology and synthesis of evidence, undertaken collaboratively by a
group of 8 librarians to develop research and critical appraisal skills.
Results: There are four clear models of clinical library service provision. Clinical librarians are effective
in saving health professionals time, providing relevant, useful information and high quality services. Clini-
cal librarians have a positive effect on clinical decision making by contributing to better informed deci-
sions, diagnosis and choice of drug or therapy. The quality of CL studies is improving, but more work is
needed on reducing bias and providing evidence of specific impacts on patient care. The Critical Incident
Technique as part of a mixed method approach appears to offer a useful approach to demonstrating
impact.
Conclusions: This systematic review provides practical guidance regarding the evaluation of CL
services. It also provides updated evidence regarding the effectiveness and impact of CL services.
The approach used was successful in developing research and critical appraisal skills in a group of
librarians.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 16, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Dec 27, 2010
• Publication Date: Feb 14, 2011
• Deposit Date: Jan 4, 2011
• Journal: Health Information and Libraries Journal
• Print ISSN: 1471-1834
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-1842
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 3-22
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2010.00925.x
• Keywords: systematic review; clinical librarians; evaluation
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2010.00925.x
• Related Public URLs: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1471-1842
• Additional Information: Funders : North West Health Care Libraries Unit