June dementia current awareness by Musgrove Park Hospital Library

Library Service Musgrove Park Academy

Current Awareness Dementia This monthly Current Awareness Bulletin is produced by the Library, Musgrove Park Academy to provide staff with a range of dementia-related resources to support practice. It includes recently published guidelines and research articles, news and policy items.

This guide provides a selection of resources relevant to the subject area and is not intended to be a comprehensive list. All websites have been evaluated and details are correct at the time of publications. Details correct at time of going to print. Please note that resources are continuously updated. For further help or guidance, please contact a member of library staff.

This guide has been compiled by: Jess Pawley Senior Library Assistant Musgrove Park Hospital Library Service jessica.pawley@tst.nhs.uk

Issue 1 June 2015

Contents Click on a section title to navigate contents Page Recent journal articles

New books

Cochrane Systematic Reviews/guidelines

UpToDate & DynaMed

Dementia in the News

Twitter

Training & Networking Opportunities, Conferences, Events

Literature search service

Training and Athens

Library contact details: Library Musgrove Park Academy Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Tel: 01823 34 (2433) Fax: 01823 34 (2434) Email: library@tst.nhs.uk Blog: http://librarymph.wordpress.com @musgrovesompar

RECENT JOURNAL ARTICLES BACK TO TOP This is a list of journal articles on the topic of dementia. Some articles are available in the library or on-line via an Athens password by following the full text link. If you would like an article which is not available as full text then please contact library staff. Title: Maintaining well-being and selfhood through physical activity: experiences of people with mild Alzheimer's disease. Citation: Aging & Mental Health, 01 August 2015, vol./is. 19/8(679-688), Author(s): Cedervall, Ylva, Torres, Sandra, ลขerg, Anna Cristina Abstract: Objectives:To contribute to furthering the understanding of how people with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) reason about physical activity as part of everyday life, with a specific focus on the meanings attached to such activity. Method:In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 individuals with mild AD. Qualitative content analysis was used to interpret the data. Results:The analysis revealed three sub-themes reflecting interrelated perspectives on how people with mild AD reason about physical activity: (1) striving to be physically active, mirrors the concrete approaches used for handling the consequences of having AD in relation to being active; (2) perceptions of physical activity, reflect how their thoughts and beliefs regarding written and tacit norms encouraged them to remain physically active, and (3) physical activity as a means to well-being, alludes to feelings and emotions related to the performance of physical activity. Interpretation of the underlying patterns in these sub-themes revealed one overarching theme: Physical activity as a means to selfhood maintenance, which suggests that physical activity can help to shift the focus from the dementia diagnosis (i.e. ill health) to a more healthy and able self. Conclusion:The findings suggest that physical activity, apart from maintaining body functions, can be a way to sustain well-being and selfhood in mild AD. This aspect of physical activity is important to consider in research, policy and practice when addressing the needs of people with dementia.

Title: Why is dementia different? Medical students' views about deceiving people with dementia. Citation: Aging & Mental Health, 01 August 2015, vol./is. 19/8(731-738), 13607863 Author(s): Tullo, Ellen StClair, Lee, Richard Philip, Robinson, Louise, Allan, Louise Abstract: Objectives:Care of patients with dementia raises challenging ethical issues, including the use of deception in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the extent to which medical students agree that ethical arguments for and against deceiving patients in general apply to patients with dementia. Method:Qualitative study using six focus groups (n= 21) and 10 interviews (n= 10) with undergraduate students in years 1, 3 and 5 at a UK medical school. Analysis using initial coding followed by comparison of data with a pre-existing framework concerning deception in clinical practice. Results:Arguments for and against deceiving patients with dementia overlapped with those previously described in relation to clinical practice in general. However, the majority of participants highlighted issues unique to dementia care that warranted additional consideration. Three key dementia-specific considerations identified were capacity (understanding, retaining and emotional processing), perceived vulnerability and family dynamics. Students expressed uncertainty as to their ability to make judgements about honest communication with patients with dementia and their families. Conclusion:Dementia adds additional complexity to clinical judgements about the acceptability of deception in practice. Medical students have a number of unmet learning needs with regard to communicating with patients with dementia and their families. Existing ethical frameworks may provide a helpful starting point for education about dementia care.

Title: Transitioning from caregiver to visitor in a long-term care facility: the experience of caregivers of people with dementia. Citation: Aging & Mental Health, 01 August 2015, vol./is. 19/8(739-746), 13607863 Author(s): Crawford, K., Digby, R., Bloomer, M., Tan, H., Williams, A. Abstract: Objectives:Transitioning from the primary caregiver to the visitor in a long-term care facility may be challenging for the caregiver; they are required to surrender their caring duties to the medical and nursing staff. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of caregivers during their transition from day-to-day caregiver of a person with dementia to a visitor in a long-term care facility. Methods:This study utilised a qualitative descriptive design. Twenty caregivers of people with dementia were recruited from the one Aged Rehabilitation and Geriatric Evaluation and Management facility, located in Victoria, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the caregiver's experiences. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results:The interview data revealed that the participants were undergoing similar experiences. The findings revealed that it was difficult for the caregiver to transition to their new role of visitor; negative reactions of grief, loss of motivation and loneliness were also coupled with positive feelings of relief and the reassurance that their relative or friend would be well cared for and safe within the long-term care facility. Conclusion:The findings offer insight into the experiences felt by caregivers when their relative or friend with dementia is admitted to hospital. Implications of this study include the need to improve the transition process for the caregiver by allowing them to be involved in the decision-making process, keeping them informed of care decisions, and importantly, providing emotional support to help the caregiver positively adapt to this transition. Title: Systemic factors and mortality in elderly patients with pressure ulcers. Citation: International Wound Journal, 01 June 2015, vol./is. 12/3(254-259), 17424801 Author(s): Jaul, Efraim, Calderon-Margalit, Ronit Abstract: The aim of this article was to identify specific systemic factors associated with existence of pressure ulcers ( PUs) and the effect on survival from the time of admission. Patients admitted to the Skilled Nursing Department of the Herzog Hospital, Jerusalem, between 1 July 2008 and 31 December 2011. Of the 174 admitted patients (mean age: 774 132 years), 107 (615%) had preexisting PUs and 67 (385%) did not have PUs. Major systemic factors were assessed for each patient at the time of admission: sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, use of urinary catheter, tube feeding and tracheostomy; nutritional state; Global Deterioration Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale and Norton Scale. Complications such as the number of provided antibiotic courses, and length and outcomes of hospitalisation were identified at the end of the study. In the univariate analysis, patients in the PU group had significantly prevalent characteristics including advanced age, low cognitive and consciousness function, low Norton scale, Parkinson's disease and anaemia due to chronic diseases, low nutritional parameters and higher number of antibiotics provided. Conditions that were associated with PUs in multiple regression analyses included advanced dementia ( OR = 30, 95% CI: 14-63; P = 0002), urinary catheter usage ( OR = 225, 95% CI: 106-47; P = 003), low body mass index, BMI ( OR = 092, 95% CI: 086-099; P = 002) and anaemia level ( OR = 07, 95% CI: 058-09; P = 0004). The median survival time of patients with PUs was significantly lower than the non PUs group (94 versus 414 days, respectively) ( P = 0005, log rank test). Length of stay was also significantly lower in the PU group (166 versus 270 days, P = 002). The existence of PUs may indicate a final common pathway of various systemic factors (geriatric conditions, diseases and frailty dysfunction). Title: Predicting institutional long-term care admission in dementia: a mixed-methods study of informal caregivers' reports. Citation: Journal of Advanced Nursing, 01 June 2015, vol./is. 71/6(1351-1362), 03092402 Author(s): Afram, Basema, Verbeek, Hilde, Bleijlevens, Michel H.C., Challis, David, Leino-Kilpi, Helena, Karlsson, Staffan, Soto, Maria E., Renom-Guiteras, Anna, Saks, Kai, Zabalegui, Adelaida, Hamers, Jan P.H. Abstract: Aim To investigate agreement between: (1) expected reasons and actual reasons for admission of people with dementia according to informal caregivers; (2) scores on measurement instruments prior to admission and the actual reasons for admission according to informal caregivers. Background Timely admission of people with dementia is a crucial issue. Information is highly

warranted on whether informal caregivers are capable of prior identification of causes of admission and, can thus be considered a reliable prospective source on causes of admission. Design A cohort study among informal caregivers of people with dementia who made a transition to institutional longterm care. Methods Qualitative data on the expected and actual reasons for admission were collected via open-ended questions at baseline and follow-up. Furthermore, at baseline, data were collected using measurement instruments to measure pre-admission characteristics. Interviews took place between November 2010-April 2012. After categorizing the answers, the agreement between the expected and actual reasons was calculated. Furthermore, bivariate associations were calculated between the actual reasons for admission and scores on corresponding measurement instruments. Results/Findings For most informal caregivers, there was agreement between their statements on the expected reason and the actual reason for admission. A third of the caregivers showed no conformity. Bivariate associations showed that there is also agreement between the actual reasons for admission and scores on corresponding measurement instruments. Conclusion Informal caregivers can be considered reliable sources of information regarding what causes the admission of a person with dementia. Professional care should anticipate informal caregivers' statements and collaborate with them to strive for timely and appropriate admission. Title: Changes in caregiver burden and health-related quality of life of informal caregivers of older people with Dementia: evidence from the European RightTimePlaceCare prospective cohort study. Citation: Journal of Advanced Nursing, 01 June 2015, vol./is. 71/6(1378-1391), 03092402 Author(s): Bleijlevens, Michel H.C., Stolt, Minna, Stephan, Astrid, Zabalegui, Adelaida, Saks, Kai, Sutcliffe, Caroline, Lethin, Connie, Soto, Maria E., Zwakhalen, Sandra M.G. Abstract: Aims To describe differences in caregiver burden and health-related quality of life of informal caregivers of people with dementia in eight European countries and assess changes after transition from home to institutional long-term care. Background Country differences in the experience of burden and health-related quality of life are rarely described. Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Data on burden and health-related quality of life were collected at baseline (conducted between November 2010-April 2012) and follow-up (after 3 months) using face-to-face interviews. Two groups of informal caregivers included those: (1) of people with dementia recently admitted to institutional long-term care facilities; and those (2) of people with dementia receiving home care. Statistical analyses focused on descriptive comparisons between groups and countries. Results Informal caregivers of about 2014 were interviewed. Informal caregivers of people with dementia at home experienced more burden compared with informal caregivers of recently institutionalised people with dementia. Almost no differences in health-related quality of life were found between groups. Large differences between countries on outcomes were found. Informal caregivers of people with dementia who made the transition to an institutional long-term care facility experienced a statistically significant decrease in burden and psychological distress at follow-up. Conclusion Cross-country differences may be related to differences in health and social care systems. Taking this into account, informal caregiver interventions need to be tailored to (country specific) contexts and (individual) needs. Findings highlight the positive impact of admission to institutional long-term care on informal caregiver well-being. Title: Change in quality of life of people with dementia recently admitted to long-term care facilities. Citation: Journal of Advanced Nursing, 01 June 2015, vol./is. 71/6(1435-1447), 03092402 Author(s): Beerens, Hanneke C., Zwakhalen, Sandra M.G., Verbeek, Hilde, Ruwaard, Dirk, Ambergen, Antonius W., Leino-Kilpi, Helena, Stephan, Astrid, Zabalegui, Adelaida, Soto, Maria, Saks, Kai, Bďż˝ďż˝rg, Christina, Sutcliffe, Caroline L., Hamers, Jan P.H. Abstract: Aim To assess which factors are associated with change in quality of life of people with dementia who have recently been admitted to long-term care facilities. Background Many people with dementia will be admitted to long-term care facilities at some point during their disease. It is currently unknown which factors are associated with improvement and/or deterioration of quality of life immediately following admission. Design An observational and longitudinal survey. Methods Data on 343 people with dementia who have been recently admitted to long-term care facilities across eight European countries were collected between November 2010-April 2012. Quality of life was assessed

by people with dementia and their proxies using the 'Quality of Life-Alzheimer's Disease scale'. Explanatory variables included cognitive status, comorbidities, activities of daily living, depressive symptoms and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Descriptive and multilevel regression analyses were performed. Results Better cognitive abilities at baseline were associated with a decrease in selfreported quality of life. Greater dependency and more depressive symptoms at baseline were associated with declined proxy-reported quality of life. Furthermore, an increased dependency and an increase of depressive symptoms between baseline and follow-up were associated with a decreased proxy-reported quality of life. On an individual level, three groups were identified, namely people whose quality of life: (1) decreased; (2) stayed the same; and (3) increased. Conclusion Cognitive functioning, functional rehabilitation and treatment of depressive symptoms should receive special attention. However, quality of life of people with dementia does not necessarily decrease after institutionalization. Title: Factors influencing the degree of eating ability among people with dementia. Citation: Journal of Clinical Nursing, 01 June 2015, vol./is. 24/11/12(1707-1717), 09621067 Author(s): Lee, Kyoung Min, Song, Jun-Ah Title: Dementia education in Higher Education Institutions. Citation: Nurse Education Today, 01 June 2015, vol./is. 35/6(731-732), 02606917 Author(s): Collier, Elizabeth, Knifton, Chris, Surr, Claire Abstract: Summary This article is a contemporary issues piece which discusses the challenges in providing dementia education in Higher Education Institutions. Title: An investigation of nursing students' knowledge of dementia: A questionnaire study. Citation: Nurse Education Today, 01 June 2015, vol./is. 35/6(800-805), 02606917 Author(s): Eccleston, Claire E.A., Lea, Emma J., McInerney, Fran, Crisp, Elaine, Marlow, Annette, Robinson, Andrew L. Abstract: Summary Background Globally, rising rates of dementia indicate the need for more nurses skilled in caring for people with this condition. However nursing students may not acquire the requisite knowledge from existing undergraduate curricula. Objectives To investigate the dementia knowledge of second-year nursing students before and after a supported placement in a residential aged care facility. Assessment of the level of knowledge of dementia is important to provide evidence of the need to enhance dementia learning in the nursing curriculum. Design A pre-post control-intervention questionnaire study. Settings 16 Tasmanian residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Participants 99 Tasmanian second-year nursing undergraduate students (52 intervention, 47 control). Methods Second year nursing students were engaged in a three week RACF clinical placement at one of the 14 control facilities or one of the 2 involved in the development of teaching aged care facilities. Pre/post data were collected using the 21-item Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2.0 and demographic survey questions, and analysed using descriptive analyses and nonparametric significance tests. Results The data showed that these nursing students had a poor knowledge of dementia, with limited understanding of key items relevant to their clinical practice. Knowledge of dementia was significantly improved after students' participation in supported clinical placements at an intervention residential aged care facility. This knowledge improvement was significantly higher than that of students who attended clinical placements at control facilities. Conclusions A wellsupported clinical placement at a residential aged care facility can improve nursing students' knowledge of dementia, in particular in relation to aspects directly relevant to their clinical practice. Title: CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Improving surgical outcomes for people with dementia. Citation: Nursing Standard, 20 May 2015, vol./is. 29/38(50-58), 00296570 Author(s): Loughlin, Diane, Brown, Margaret Full Text: Available from NURSING STANDARD in Library MPH

Title: Dementia: definitions and types. Citation: Nursing Standard, 13 May 2015, vol./is. 29/37(37-42), 00296570 Author(s): Dening, Tom, Babu Sandilyan, Malarvizhi Full Text: Available from NURSING STANDARD in Library MPH Title: Experiences of Nursing Staff Using Dementia-Specific Case Conferences in Nursing Homes. Citation: American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 30/3(228-237), 15333175 Author(s): Holle, Daniela, Krger, Cornelia, Halek, Margareta, Sirsch, Erika, Bartholomeyczik, Sabine Title: Examining Trends in the Administration of As Needed Medications to Inpatients With Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia. Citation: American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 30/3(247-256), 15333175 Author(s): Neumann, Robert D., Faris, Peter, Klassen, Richard Title: Strengthening the Dementia Care Triad: Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Linking to Resources. Citation: American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 30/3(268-275), 15333175 Author(s): Jensen, Christine J., Inker, Jennifer Title: The Patterns of Inheritance in Early-Onset Dementia: Alzheimers Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia. Citation: American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 30/3(299-306), 15333175 Author(s): Jarmolowicz, Anna I., Chen, Huei-Yang, Panegyres, Peter K. Title: Overweight and Obesity in Midlife and Brain Structure and Dementia 26 Years Later. Citation: American Journal of Epidemiology, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 181/9(672-679), 00029262 Author(s): Albanese, Emiliano, Davis, Benjamin, Jonsson, Palmi V., Milan Chang, Aspelund, Thor, Garcia, Melissa, Harris, Tamara, Gudnason, Vilmundur, Launer, Lenore J. Title: Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety in People With Dementia: A Clinician Guideline for a Person-Centered Approach. Citation: Behavior Modification, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 39/3(390-412), 01454455 Author(s): Charlesworth, Georgina, Sadek, Susan, Schepers, Astrid, Spector, Aimee Title: Intergenerational Programs for Persons With Dementia: A Scoping Review. Citation: Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 58/4(357-378), 01634372 Author(s): Galbraith, Bethany, Larkin, Hannah, Moorhouse, Aynsley, Oomen, Tamara Abstract: Participation in intergenerational programs can have a positive impact on quality of life and well-being across age groups. We sought to examine the characteristics, goals, and outcomes of intergenerational programs for persons with dementia and children or youth. Six hundred and seventy-nine unique abstracts were identified through a search of 7 medical databases, 16 social science databases, 2 gray literature databases, and other sources. Twenty-seven articles met criteria for review. Articles must have gathered information on program design, goals, outcomes, or participants perceptions. Overall, 3 themes emerged: program design, outcomes for child or youth participants, and outcomes for persons with dementia. Music, arts-based, and narrative programs were most common. Outcomes include effects on perceptions of aging and dementia, behavior, mood, engagement and sense of self. The use of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as descriptive articles, provided a richer picture of the relational features of intergenerational programs to

emerge. The type of program had less of an impact on positive outcomes than if the activity was meaningful for participants and supported shared opportunities for relationship building and growth. The relationship-based skill set and scope of social work practitioners provides opportunity for the development, facilitation, and evaluation of intergenerational programs. The difficulties of establishing best practices due to methodological challenges and implications for further research are presented. Title: Improving communication when caring for acutely ill patients with dementia. Citation: Nursing Older People, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 27/4(35-38), 14720795 Author(s): Kilgore, Cliff Title: Comparing Caregiver and Clinician Predictions of Fitness to Drive in People With Alzheimer's Disease. Citation: American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 69/3(0-), 02729490 Author(s): Bixby, Kimberly, Davis, Jennifer D., Ott, Brian R. Abstract: This observational study investigated family caregiver and clinician ratings of 75 drivers with Alzheimer's disease against scores on a standardized road test and a naturalistic driving evaluation. Clinician ratings by a physician specialized in dementia were significantly associated with road test error scores (r = .25, p = .03) but not naturalistic driving errors or global ratings of road test and naturalistic driving performance. Caregiver ratings were unrelated to either driving assessment, with two exceptions; adult child ratings of driving ability were correlated with road test error scores (r =.43, p = .02), and spousal ratings were inversely correlated with global ratings. Clinician ratings of driving competence were modestly correlated with road test performance, but caregiver ratings were more complex. Adult children may be more accurate reporters of driving ability than spouses, possibly because of less personal bias, but the reasons behind this discrepancy need further investigation. Full Text: Available from ProQuest in American Journal of Occupational Therapy, The Available from Ovid online collection in American Journal of Occupational Therapy Title: Dementia: breaking down mental barriers to physical activity. Citation: Nursing & Residential Care, 01 May 2015, vol./is. 17/5(270-272), 14659301 Author(s): Mendes, Aysha Full Text: Available from EBSCOhost in Nursing & residential care : the monthly journal for care assistants, nurses and managers working in health and social care Title: Anger and Health in Dementia Caregivers: Exploring the Mediation Effect of Optimism. Citation: Stress & Health: Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress, 01 April 2015, vol./is. 31/2(158-165), 15323005 Author(s): Lďż˝, J., Romero-Moreno, R., Mďż˝uez-Gonzďż˝z, M., Losada, A. Abstract: Although previous studies indicate a negative association between caregivers' anger and health, the potential mechanisms linking this relationship are not yet fully understood. The aimof this study was to explore the potential mediating role of optimism in the relationship between anger and caregivers' physical health. Dementia caregivers (n=108) were interviewed and filled out instruments assessing their anger (reaction), optimism and health (vitality). A mediational model was tested to determine whether optimism partially mediated the relationship between anger and vitality. Angry reaction was negatively associated with optimism and vitality; optimism was positively associated with vitality. Finally, the relationship between angry reaction and vitality decreased when optimism was entered simultaneously. A nonparametric bootstrap approach confirmed that optimism significantly mediated some of the relationship between angry reaction and vitality. These findings suggest that low optimism may help explain the association between caregivers' anger and reduced sense of vitality. The results provide a specific target for intervention with caregivers.

NEW BOOKS BACK TO TOP If you are unable to find a book, or require a book that is not on this list, please ask library staff who will be able to locate the book for you using interlibrary loan.

Slevin, M. (2012) The Little Girl in the Radiator Croydon: CPI Group

Genova, L. (2009) Still Alice London: Simon & Schuster

Magnusson, S. (2014) Where memories go London: Hodder & Stoughton

Coope, B. et al (2014) ABC of Dementia Chichester: John Wiley and Sons

Stuart-Hamilton, I. (2014) Introduction to the psychology of ageing London: Jessica Kingsley

Draper, B. (2011) Understanding Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease and other dementias London: Jessica Kingsley

Bryden, C. (2005) Dancing with dementia London: Jessica Kingsley

Welton, J. (2013) Can I tell you about dementia? London: Jessica Kingsley

McCarthy, B. (2011) Hearing the person with dementia London: Jessica Kingsley

Stokes, G. (2008) And still the music plays London: Hawker Publications

Baxendale, S. (2014 Coping with memory problems London: Sheldon Press

COCHRANE SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS BACK TO TOP Full-text evidence-based systematic reviews prepared by the Cochrane collection Reviews from May 2015 Opioids for agitation in dementia Protocols from May 2015 Exercise interventions for preventing dementia or delaying cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment Exercise interventions for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in mid life Exercise interventions for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in late life Souvenaid for Alzheimer’s disease

UPTODATE & DYNAMED BACK TO TOP What’s new from our clinical decision-making tools on the topic of dementia. UpToDate DynaMed Please contact library staff for details on how to access these resources; you will need an Athens password if accessing from home.

DEMENTIA IN THE NEWS BACK TO TOP Behind the Headlines Poor sleep quality linked to Alzheimer’s disease Cannabis-extract pills “not effective” for dementia symptoms Claims a “sweet tooth” increases your Alzheimer’s risk too simplistic

TWITTER BACK TO TOP The latest from popular Twitter pages dedicated to dementia: Dementia UK @DementiaUK Alzheimer’s Society @alzheimerssoc Dementia Today @DementiaToday Dementia Friends @DementiaFriends

TRAINING & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES, CONFERENCES, EVENTS BACK TO TOP Alzheimer’s Society Training and resources Dementia training for care providers Health Education England Dementia awareness training RCN Ongoing work at the RCN on dementia care th

10 UK Dementia Congress

LITERATURE SEARCH SERVICE BACK TO TOP Looking for the latest evidence-based research but haven’t got time to trawl the databases? Do you need a literature search carried out? Do you need to find evidence to support an improvement? Do you want to know how something has been done elsewhere and whether it worked?

Library staff provide a literature search service for busy clinicians who are pressed for time.

To request a search please complete and return the attached form ,providing as much information as possible. Alternatively if you would like an assisted search training session, where we will sit down with you and go through the steps of a literature search, then please contact the library.

TRAINING AND ATHENS BACK TO TOP Most electronic resources are available via an Athens password. You can register for this via the Library intranet page, or from home at www.swice.nhs.uk and following the link for Athens selfregistration. Please note that registering from home will take longer as it will need to be verified that you are NHS staff/student on placement. The library offers training on how to access and use Athens resources, as well as an introductory course on critical appraisal. You can book a course through the Learning and Development intranet page, or by contacting the library directly.