Heartbeat: Library service takes the reigns on patient information

June 26, 2019

A new process is in place for colleagues who wish to update an existing patient information leaflet or order a new one.

Requests should go directly to the library service and the team will then work on producing the leaflet by liaising directly with the medical illustration department.

A proof of the leaflet will be sent to the person who has requested the document and it will need to go through the approval process, which includes reviews from patients.

Nicola Ager, Librarian, said: “We aim to respond to the initial request between six to ten working days and once we have completed checks on the first draft, it will be sent for design.

“We would encourage departments to first check resources on Eido which can be found on Connect under Corporate Systems and BMJ Best Practice can be found on the Library and Information page on Connect.

“In particular surgical patient information leaflets can be found on Eido and downloaded for free. The BMJ Best Practice patient information leaflets focus more on diseases rather than procedures but can also be downloaded for free (NHS OpenAthens account required).

“We’d also urge departments to check the renewal dates on existing leaflets so that they are not left in a situation where they are urgently requesting an updated version after the document has expired.”

If you would like to create or update a patient leaflet please call ext. 3587.