Demonstrating the positive impact of information support on patient care in primary care: a rapid literature review.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on the positive impact of information services, or information resources, on patient care in primary care.


OBJECTIVE
To identify and summarize key papers on which librarians might draw in making the case for investment, and to highlight gaps in the research evidence Methodology: A rapid literature review was conducted in the summer of 2005.


RESULTS
There is a small body of evidence to demonstrate the positive impact of library and information services on the direct care of patients as well as a beneficial impact on the care of future patients through the application of evidence to multiple patients.


CONCLUSIONS
There is relatively limited research evidence of the impact of information, and library services, in primary care, in comparison with hospital settings and the research available is generally reliant on small samples. There is a lack of impact studies conducted with non-clinical staff. The review highlights the value of critical incident technique (CIT). It is possible to gather evidence of the potential for information services to deliver cost savings.
Bryant
Sue Lacey
SL
Independent Information Specialist, Milton Keynes General Hospital Library, Milton Keynes, UK. laceybryant@clara.co.uk
Gray
Anne
A
D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007999:Library Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005791:Patient Care; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D006113:United Kingdom