Knowledge mobilization in critical care and the evolving communication role of nurses.

BACKGROUND: The importance of appropriate communication skills within a health care setting rests upon the need for effective information sharing. When successful, this provides a supportive working environment for staff and has a positive impact on patient care and outcomes. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to explore how knowledge/evidence is acquired, shared, and applied in the Critical Care (CC) environment for staff and patients/family members. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative approach was used, consisting of semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Data analysis was conducted using an iterative thematic approach. RESULTS: Data collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic from United Kingdom (UK) critical care workers (N = 46), patients, and family members (N = 21) identified four communication roles performed by the nursing staff: team member; diplomat; translator and friend. CONCLUSIONS: It was evident that without suitable training and support, the stresses and demands placed upon the nurses could lead to disenfranchisement and burnout. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings are relevant and timely given the impact of the pandemic, highlighting the need for accessible and alternate communication strategies to support nurses by reducing stress, moral distress and increasing psychological safety. Improved communication can provide tailored information for staff and patients/family improving the CC experience for all.

A clinical librarian in a hospital critical care unit may generate a positive return on investment.

BACKGROUND: Timely information provided by clinical librarians can contribute to outcomes such as improved patient care and time savings for hospital staff. What is unknown is the return on investment (ROI) of a clinical librarian on a critical care unit. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the ROI, from the employer perspective, of placing a clinical librarian in a critical care unit in a large UK acute hospital. METHODS: Using a mixed methods approach, ROI was estimated by comparing the total costs with the total monetised benefits of implementing the clinical librarian intervention. Total costs included salary and equipment costs. Total monetised benefits included time saving for hospital staff, support for professional development and improved patient care. RESULTS: When total monetised benefits were compared with total costs, the 15-month clinical librarian intervention generated a positive ROI of £1.18-£3.03 for every £1 invested. DISCUSSION: Using outcome measures derived from previous research, this novel study generated promising results indicative for commissioners seeking to improve patient care and deliver value for money. To improve generalisability, multisite studies using standardised ROI tools are recommended. CONCLUSION: Employing a clinical librarian in a critical care unit can generate a positive ROI.

Do quality improvement systems improve health library services? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: A turbulent financial and political climate requires health libraries to be more accountable than ever. Quality improvement systems are widely considered a 'good thing to do', but do they produce useful outcomes that can demonstrate value? OBJECTIVES: To undertake a systematic review to identify which aspects of health libraries are being measured for quality, what tools are being used and what outcomes are reported following utilisation of quality improvement systems. RESULTS: Many health libraries utilise quality improvement systems without translating the data into service improvements. Included studies demonstrate that quality improvement systems produce valuable outcomes including a positive impact on strategic planning, promotion, new and improved services and staff development. No impact of quality improvement systems on library users or patients is reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The literature in this area is sparse and requires updating. We recommend further primary research is conducted in health libraries focusing upon the outcomes of utilising quality improvement systems. An exploration of quality improvement systems in other library sectors may also provide valuable insight for health libraries.