New resource launched - NHS Evidence

A new service has been launched that provides health and social care practitioners with access to clinical and non-clinical evidence.

NHS Evidence will provide professionals such as social workers and clinicians as well as academics and researchers with access to a central repository of clinical and non-clinical evidence – an invaluable resource when making key treatment and resourcing decisions.

This new system has been created as a result of health minister Lord Darzi's High Quality for All report. As part of the new service, an independent advisory committee will assess evidence of what clinical and non-clinical treatment works to prevent and treat many conditions. The most reliable and trustworthy sources of evidence will receive an accreditation mark, which will be used by NHS Evidence to sort and sift information.

Commenting on the service, Lord Darzi said: "NHS Evidence will ensure that whatever you do within the NHS you will always have access to the best information you need to deliver the highest quality care to your patients."

Information from a number of sources will be fully indexed and will provide users with a number of options to access information – they will be able to browse content by topic area such as clinical, public health or social care and education; they can use the search engine to find content based on specific key words; and they can customise their preferences to receive alerts tailored to their needs.

Dr Gillian Leng, CEO for NHS Evidence said: "This is just the first stage in the development of an impartial service which will provide the most comprehensive source of relevant and trustworthy information about clinical, non clinical evidence and best practice, at the touch of a button. It's good news that users, including patients, will be able to find the information they need and know that it comes from a credible source – this will ultimately help improve efficiency and ensure all patients receive the best available care."