Supporting ���Best Research for Best Health��� with best information Claire Beecroft*, Andrew Booth���, Mary Edmunds Otter���, Christine Keen�� & Colin Lynch*, *Trent Research and Development Support Unit (Trent RDSU), ���School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, ���Trent Research and Development Support Unit (Trent RDSU), University of Leicester, ��Trent Research and Development Support Unit (Trent RDSU), De Montfort University, Leicester, UK Abstract Background: This article describes the potential role for National Health Service (NHS) libraries in supporting health research. The content is partly based on the proceedings of the ���Best Information for Best Research for Best Health��� event at University of Leicester in November 2006. Objectives: With reference to the UK Department of Health���s Research and Development (R&D) strategy, Best Research for Best Health and the Cooksey Review of public funding of health research, the article seeks to identify areas where NHS library and information staff can become involved in supporting the research process. Methods: The authors examined the challenges and opportunities that these reports offer and looked at two areas where library and information services (LIS) staff can potentially expand their services-supporting researchers at every stage of the research process and transferring research into practice. Results: Staff in NHS libraries need to create an environment in which their role in the research process is recognized and valued. LIS staff can develop roles within the research process and thereby improve the robustness and validity of research outputs. Training and development of LIS staff is a key priority and can be taken forward despite the limitations of budgets and staffing levels. Conclusions: A proactive and assertive approach is needed to achieve a cultural shift within NHS library practice from supporting research from the outside, to being fully integrated within the research process. Key Messages Implications for Practice d There are a few successful and yet isolated examples of good practice in providing significant, inte- grated information support to the research process. d There is a need for more networking and exchange of innovation and service provision amongst information specialists regarding their support to research teams. d Of equal concern is the development of advanced information skills and knowledge of the research process for the information specialist who frequently works in isolation. Correspondence: Claire Beecroft, Trent Research and Development Support Unit (Trent RDSU), University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK. E-mail: c.beecroft@shef.ac.uk �� 2009 The authors Journal compilation �� 2009 Health Libraries Group. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26, pp.307���315 307 DOI:10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00842.x

Implications for Policy d Best Research for Best Health6 offers an opportunity to consolidate and build upon the now-accepted role of the information professional in research support. d Opportunities lie in support to systematic review projects, funding information services, training in information skills and outreach, but all of these require vigorous promotion. d Planned developments include greater location of research support services at an NHS ���patch level��� sup- ported from academic units. Introduction Research into health and health services is essential in tackling the increasing challenges that society faces from disease and ill health. In the UK there is much interest in ���translational research���1 whereby research findings are used to influence practice and lead to economic growth and innovation. The UK government has sought to raise the level of Research and Development that takes place within the National Health Service (NHS)2 and to maximize return on investment and payback.3 Research programmes funded by the Department of Health, such as the NHS Health Technology Assess- ment and Service Delivery and Organization pro- grammes4 seek to ensure that the policies, services and interventions provided by the NHS are based on the latest and most reliable evidence, as well as being responsive to the needs of the public.5 Firstly, this paper briefly examines the Best Research for Best Health6 Research and Develop- ment (R&D) strategy and the Cooksey Review.7 Then, based on the proceedings of the ���Best Infor- mation for Best Research for Best Health��� event at University of Leicester in November 2006, it considers current provision of information and library services for the support of health research and finally concludes by highlighting opportunities and challenges resulting from this proposed recon- figuration of health research. Best Research for Best Health The health research strategy Best Research for Best Health6 ambitiously aspires to set ���the direction that NHS research and development will take to ensure a vibrant, world-class environment for conducting and using NHS health research���.8,9 The main components are: d a virtual national research faculty, including elite researchers d a limited number of funded academic medical centres and technology platforms d funding to move from historical flows to a system where money follows patient involvement d expanding national research programmes and creating local funding schemes. Cooksey Review The Cooksey Review7 was commissioned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in March 2006 to examine arrangements for public funding of health research in the UK.10 The Review was charged with considering health, science and economic objectives: d health objectives���ensuring research priorities are firmly grounded in the Government���s wider health objectives and that health research is rooted in, and a key priority for, the NHS d science objectives���ensuring the continued delivery of world-class basic science. Funding should continue to be awarded on the basis of excellence across the full spectrum of health research, from basic to clinical and public health d economic objectives���ensuring delivery of high- quality translational health research to deliver real economic, as well as health benefits, from the UK���s science base. The review concludes that, although good pro- gress has been made in some areas, further work is needed to ensure that publicly funded health research is carried out effectively and efficiently. It also identifies the need to facilitate rapid transla- tion of research findings into health and economic benefits. Supporting ���Best Research for Best Health��� with best information, Claire Beecroft et al. �� 2009 The authors Journal compilation �� 2009 Health Libraries Group. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26, pp.307���315 308