Finding, using and managing information

The drive for evidence-based practice within health care, and the recent trend towards eHealth, is dependent on staff being able to handle information effectively, by maintaining standards in their own practice, and by supporting the informed patient.

In Principles of Nursing Practice, published last year, the RCN highlighted that: ‘Nurses and nursing staff [must] have up to date knowledge and skills, and use these with intelligence, insight and understanding in line with the needs of each individual in their care.’

The RCN’s Integrated core career and competence framework for registered nurses framework brings together dimensions of the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) which are the most relevant to nursing and midwifery. The RCN have recently published 'Finding, using and managing information' which aims to support and develop health service workers  information skills. To access the guideline click on the image to the left.

Worcestershire Health Libraries specialise in the finding, managing and using of information to support practice so get in touch with your nearest Health Library today to see how we can help you reach the below headline competencies.

The headline information literacy competences are:
1. identifying why information is needed
2. identifying what information is needed
3. carrying out a search to find information
4. evaluating how the information meets the identified need
5. using information and knowledge inclusively, legally and ethically
6. managing information
7. creating new information or knowledge.