Evidence searches for questions from patients

Guidance for this type of search.

Notes

The suggested time to allocate to this search: 3-6 hours.

Please read:

  • "All evidence searches" (see "Quick links") before proceeding
  • and the "Supplement" section for examples of this type of search

Planning

Ask the requester exactly what is needed and what level is needed (e.g., high end evidence or basic information). The requester may need to manage their patient’s expectations.

If it is appropriate for your role as a patient information specialist, and/or with their clinician's consent, speak to the patient to discuss what they would like.

Make sure that the patient understands that you are not a medical professional: information that you give them is not medical advice. Questions and clarification must come from their clinician, your requester.

Use a disclaimer. Sarah Mathieson [email protected], Specialist Patient Outreach Librarian at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, uses the following: 

Information:

Disclaimer

Please note: Royal Papworth Hospital’s library staff are trained information professionals who conduct high quality, professional searches for health-related information. The information given to patients by library staff is based on these searches and intended for informational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.

If patients have any questions relating to information provided by the Library and Knowledge Services, they should ask a healthcare professional.

Always seek the advice of your doctor when making any healthcare choice.

Identify any specific needs the patient has: do they need EasyRead text? Would they prefer audio/film? Do they need it translated into a different language? Is the information for them, or for someone they are looking after?

Execution

Gather basic information:

  • what is available from your organisation already?
  • is there a patient leaflet/guideline that you can share?
  • has your organisation produced any films that are useful?
  • are there any external leaflets that your organisation has bought (e.g. the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ or EIDO Healthcare’s patient information materials) that you can share?

Try these sources:

Google

Look for other basic information available on the internet via Google. For good general descriptions of a condition or procedure try the NHS or Patient websites.

Search NHS Trusts’ websites with an advanced Google search: include “NHS Trust” in your search terms and/or use geographic limits and/or limit to sites with “…nhs.uk” URLs. A Bing search can bring useful videos to light.

Check via Google and local public library catalogues, if there are any recently published books or ebooks on the topic you are searching that patients could borrow or buy. The Reading Agency has a reading list of health-related titles that may be useful as a starting point.

Charities' wesbites

Look at reputable charity and voluntary organisations: these are excellent sources of well-written information, and often include first-hand experiences/advice/support for the patient community. This includes Healthtalk.

Royal College's websites

Look at Royal Colleges and academies – like the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) or Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) - and professional societies etc. for their detailed, evidence-based patient information.

They often include links to other sources of information and support too.

Clinical decision support tools

For example:

  • UpToDate’s (££) entries may contain “Basics” and “Beyond the Basics” patient information
  • BMJ Best Practice entries may contain patient leaflets under the “Resources” tab
  • ClinicalKey (££) contains “patient education” sections for sharing
Bibliographic databases

Search bibliographic databases: do any of the results provide evidence or information that is pitched at the right level and is useful?

Social media

Look at social media: is there a YouTube channel associated with a particular charity or organisation with videos of treatments, procedures, other patients?

Do these organisations have a Facebook page orTwitter/X feed with regular updates about developments, stories in the news, opportunities to meet other people?

Are there online forums that offer the opportunity to talk to others, share experiences, offer advice and comfort? For example, HealthUnlocked.

Make sure to only include trustworthy sources. GOV.UK’s checklist can help you assess the validity of the information sourced on social media.

Results

Do not share results with the patient without first sharing with the requesting clinician (usually by email), with a brief explanation of why they have been chosen. This can be forwarded onto the patient.

Make sure that results are all open access and easy for patient to find. Do not assume they are proficient at internet searching. Offer to help the patient with this if needed and if appropriate to your role – this could be an opportunity to improve their digital and health literacy skills.

If appropriate, signpost the patient to LearnMyWay that will help them find health information online for themselves once they leave hospital.