Global health resources

We have a lot of databases here that enable you to search for health material, but you might have noticed that many of the results you get are from North America and Europe.  What do you do if you need research from other countries?

Well, there are several resources available to you, and I'm starting to put them together in one place on the Health Subject Guide.  The links at the moment are to indexes, full-text databases, and open access journal collections.  In the New Year, I'll be adding links to good sources of global health statistics.

Let me know what you think, and in the meantime have a great Christmas and New Year.  See you in 2012!

Public health reform updates published

Today the Department of Health has published a series of factsheets outlining the new public health system.  The factsheets include a general summary, and also outline key roles and commissioning bodies.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Another quick link to a website you may find useful - the MHRA, or Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.  This website contains lists of approved medicines and also recalls, safety warnings and alerts about drugs.  They also have specialist sections which deal with particular areas, e.g. anaesthesiology, critical care, obs and gynae and physiotherapy which are well worth a look.  Their guidance coverage includes drugs and medical devices including things like syringe drivers, infusion pumps and even bed rails so is broad ranging and comprehensive.

Department of Health Outcomes Framework 2012/13

Today the Department of Health has published the Outcomes Framework for 2012/13.  This builds on and updates on the progress indicators within five domains as set out in the White Paper: Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS:

Domain 1: Preventing people from dying prematurely;
Domain 2: Enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions;
Domain 3: Helping people to recover from episodes of ill health or following injury;
Domain 4: Ensuring that people have a positive experience of care; and
Domain 5: Treating and caring for people in a safe environment; and protecting them from avoidable harm.

The Framework also identifies next steps towards meeting the targets set out in the White Paper.

Research on the go

Just a little update to alert you to some very handy apps which will allow you to carry out research on your smartphone.

If you use EBSCOhost databases such as CINAHL Plus with Full Text, PsycARTICLES or SOCIndex, why not try the new apps for iPhone and iPod Touch and Android phones?

If you registered to use the British National Formulary there are now some snazzy apps to go with it (unfortunately not free though - expect to pay up to £29.99).

And finally BMJ has a number of apps including the free student BMJ for iPhone and iPad.

Drop in with the librarian!

I regularly drop in around different campuses and hospital libraries so feel free to come and see me if you need help searching for information, referencing, or finding research! Here are the forthcoming drop in dates - put them in your diary now! Friday 25th November 2011 – Butterfield LRC – 9:30-16:00 Monday 28th November 2011 – Bevan Library, Bedford Hospital – 9:30-16:00 Friday 2nd December 2011 – COMET Library, L&D Hospital – 9:30-16:00 Monday 5th December 2011 – Oxford House LRC – 9:30-16:00 Friday 9th December 2011 – Polhill LRC – 9:30-16:00 Look forward to seeing you there!

Introducing PsycARTICLES

Welcome back! I hope everyone has had a fab summer. Over the summer we have acquired a brand new, full-text database that I think is going to be really useful, especially if you are focussing on mental health issues.

The database is called PsycARTICLES - it is produced by the American Psychological Association (APA) and contains 78 full-text journals, including all of the APA titles such as Developmental Psychology, Health Psychology, and Psychological Bulletin.

Have a look and tell me what you think. You can access it here.