CILIP | Case Study - NHS Information Specialist

Working in an NHS Organisation: Information Specialist

Organisation
I work for the National Collaborating Centre for Cancer (NCCC) which is a partner organisation of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). The NCCC develops evidence-based service guidance and clinical guidelines for the NHS in England and Wales on treating and caring for people with cancer. Each service guidance or clinical guideline is treated as an individual project so our work is driven by the principles of project management.

My main task is to identify relevant clinical research studies on specific cancer topics. I work very closely with researchers who critically appraise the clinical research studies I have identified.

My job is very interesting and challenging and the work of the NCCC should lead to improved care and treatment of cancer patients.

Main duties
□ Supporting and contributing to the work of Guidance Development Groups –
each of which includes approximately 20 senior healthcare professionals, national patient/carer organisation representatives and NHS managers drawn from across the UK along with staff of the NCCC.

□ Designing comprehensive search strategies using evidence-based methods such as search filters.

□ Searching a range of medical and healthcare databases.

□ Critical appraisal of literature search results.

□ Developing and maintaining our own databases using bibliographic software.

□ Recording a clear audit trail of all work undertaken.

□ Management of interlibrary loans.

□ Maintaining professional skills by attending training courses and conferences.

I have also had the opportunity to become involved in wider NHS issues for the NCCC such as the Pay Modernisation programme. I am the Agenda for Change lead for my organisation and I am a Knowledge & Skills Framework trainer.

Karen Field
Information Specialist
National Collaborating Centre for Cancer (NCCC)
The NCCC is hosted by Velindre NHS Trust, Cardiff
karen.field@nccc.wales.nhs.uk

Updated: 24 October 2005

Health Libraries

Working in an NHS Organisation: Information Specialist