Library Services offers a free evidence search service to NHS staff with full library membership.

The service provides expert searches to inform patient care, clinical teaching, service improvement and research activities.  

If your search request relates to assessed academic work as part of a course, or forms part of a full systematic review, contact your NHS Support Librarian for training and guidance on the evidence searching process. 

You can submit your search request through KnowledgeShare. To enter your request, log in to KnowledgeShare with your OpenAthens account, go to the 'Evidence' tab and select 'Request an Evidence Search'. Then complete the online form.  

You can check to see if your request can be accepted by using the diagram below. If you have any questions, please contact your NHS Support Librarian. Evidence search flowchart

Terms and conditions

  • When completing the form please give the date by which you require the results. We will try to complete searches within the deadline but cannot guarantee that results will be received by this date and may contact you to establish a more realistic timeframe. We advise you to provide as much detail as possible in your search request and to respond quickly to queries from your librarian to help prevent delays.
  • Whilst care will be taken in the selection of the materials included in results, Library Services are not responsible for the content or accuracy of the information provided. Library Services will not be held responsible or liable for any omissions to pertinent research information not included as part of the results of any evidence search.
  • You must acknowledge the work of the librarian who produced the results in any resulting work or publication and you must inform the librarian of any resulting publications.
  • NHS staff who receive a search should complete the feedback form within KnowledgeShare.

Accessible description of Evidence Search Flowchart

Are you NHS staff or a placement student?

If staff, go to 2.

If student, contact your home university.

2. Is the search for assessed academic work? If yes, book a training session with your NHS Support Librarian.

If no, go to 3.

3. Do you have a KnowledgeShare account? If yes, request an evidence search through KnowledgeShare.

If no, contact your NHS Support Librarian to request a search.