Things in the Library 8 Jan 2016

Happy New Year to you all

Things back to normal...

We are now back to our normal opening hours, the stock take was completed successfully without too many staff injuries, the folded paper angels are packed away until next year, the chocolates are eaten and the diets begun....thank you all for your seasonal greetings...hope our extended closure didn't cause you too many problems.

.....or are they???

An artist's impression

We were excited to hear before Christmas that we have been successful in a bid we made for some money from Health Education England for a mini library refurbishment. So in the next few months you will see our 'Dickensian' counter with its glass panels replaced with a modern one that is actually the right height and faces into the library. We will also have a more enclosed office area to keep our noise and smells (usually jacket potatoes!) away from the rest of the library. [We think we may be the only library staff who have been told to Shhh! by our readers]. We will try to keep any disruption to services to a minimum and will hopefully avoid having to close. 

Things hot and red...

Public Health England has published statistics which indicate that 2015 to 2016 may be a third season of high numbers of scarlet fever infections.  Following the increase in scarlet fever cases over the last 2 years, so far this season 2155 scarlet fever reports have been made across England since the second week of September.  Around 250 cases of scarlet fever are currently being notified each week across England, remaining similar to last year but higher than previous years. 

Things statistical for audit & improvement...

This guide refreshes its 2009 predecessor and sets out the basics of statistical data analysis and presentation for those involved in local clinical audit and improvement projects. It uses illustrative case examples to:
•     Explain how to use descriptive statistical methods to analyse & present quality improvement data
•     Provide general principles on how to choose the most appropriate statistical methods
•     Demonstrate how to present local statistical data clearly and concisely
The guide is broken down into sections, detailing the types of data that exist, various methods of statistical analysis, ways to present local data clearly, and guidance on sampling techniques. It aims to help those who are new to or unfamiliar with statistical data analysis and presentation, whether patients, patient representatives, staff or Board members.

Things at the end...

This revised and updated version of the Transforming end of life care in acute hospitals: The route to success 'how to' guide, published December 2015, marks another significant milestone to improve the quality and experience of care at end of life for patients and their families.  Commissioned by NHS England, the publication offers practical advice and support for frontline clinicians and leaders for the work required to transform end of life care in acute hospitals.Over 80 acute hospitals across NHS England are already voluntarily working with the Sustainable Improvement Team, NHS England, using the tools, models and approaches set out in this publication to deliver improvements in services locally.

Things finished ...

The e-book trial has now finished and with a late flurry from the orthopaedic team seems to have been tested by quite a few people, including a request for a book which came through to me to authorise on Christmas Day (I did it on Boxing Day!).We have a meeting next week with the suppliers to see what the future holds so please if you tried the system out let us know what you thought email me please

Things involving muffins...

Yes ... journal club is back Weds 13th January 2016 17.30 - 18.30pm

Venue:  Education & Skills Centre, F Floor Stephenson Wing
Paper:  Validation of a Prediction Tool for Abusive Head Trauma - Pediatrics Vol 136, (2), Aug 2015
SCH staff can email the library for a copy of the paper or download using your Athens account
Muffins:  stollen bites and banana muffins
Journal Club is open to all health professionals and is a fun, informal way of learning to criticize papers and gather evidence to change practice. At each meeting a speaker presents a critical appraisal of a research paper, using a recognised appraisal tool such as CASP or the GATE frame. Group members then have an informal discussion to determine whether or not current practice should be altered in light of the presenter's findings.If you do not get a chance to read the paper do not worry just come along. Presenters wanted for the new season contact Sarah Massey

Thing to book now...
 An Introduction to Critical Appraisal course is run by Sarah and the next one is on Friday 19th February 9.30 am – 13.00pm  a few places still available. This course is designed to give you the skills to critically evaluate research papers and interpret their findings for any staff involved in evidence based medicine. Prior knowledge or experience of critical appraisal is NOT required. Please book via coursebookings@sch.nhs.uk

(c) http://www.rusinurbis.com/2010/02/waste-not-want-not.html

And finally...
If you have a part jar of mincemeat left-over like me then you might like to try this Belgian Cake - an original recipe from Cranks.  What diet??