K. Ann McKibbon and Liz Bayley
Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) evolved from an innovative method of teaching residents to use published literature for patient care. The missing piece to this critical appraisal…
Abstract
Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) evolved from an innovative method of teaching residents to use published literature for patient care. The missing piece to this critical appraisal approach was the skills needed to find the “best evidence” to use. Acknowledgment of this need provided many opportunities for librarians to become partners in the care process, including changes in provision of collections and services, modifications in searching skills (comprehensive vs clinical), and planning and educating undergraduates and graduates across the health disciplines. Librarians have increased their skills, made changes in practice, and become more important in educating and providing resources for practicing clinicians.
Details
Keywords
Seeks to spread the concept of evidence‐based practice beyond the health sector.
Abstract
Purpose
Seeks to spread the concept of evidence‐based practice beyond the health sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have worked with physicians and nurses and offer their observations from being part of the development of the skills and tools of evidence‐based practice.
Findings
Librarians need to increase their reliance on sound evidence to support their programs and services. They also need to become more active in producing and publishing evidence for their peers and others outside the profession. The authors feel that librarians have the abilities to do this, especially if supported by their organizations and institutions with respect to education and resources.
Originality/value
The paper should be of use in the development of evidence‐based librarianship.