A clinical librarian pilot project in psychiatry

Abstract

Aims and method: A 4-month pilot was conducted to assess whether the clinical librarian model, which has been successfully used within acute hospitals, would work in a mental health setting. A librarian attended weekly clinical team meetings in two community mental health teams to help generate clinical questions. A summary of the evidence on each topic was then presented the following week. An evaluation of the pilot was carried out using a questionnaire survey, focus groups and interviews. Results: Results suggest that the project had produced a positive impact within the teams and begun the process of embedding evidence-based information within clinical practice. Clinical implications: With some adaptations, the clinical librarian model can be an effective method of implementing evidence-based practice and addressing continuing professional development needs within mental health clinical teams.