Which Database Do I Want?
There are some great easy to use places to get you started:
NICE Guidelines
Search NICE Guidance and Technology reviews
BMJ Best Practice and UpToDate
These both provide summaries of the latest evidence on a wide variety of topics. While they are generally aimed at Junior Doctors, all clinical staff will find the information useful. The patient information sheets are great for students or healthcare staff who want brief information without the jargon.
Don't forget - the library staff can provide advice and training on everything mentioned here.
MPFT Library Catalogue
Search books available from our Stafford and Redwoods Libraries, as well as our eBooks. You can log in using your Trust login details to renew your library books or to suggest new books for the library
eBook Library
This is our main website for eBooks, which can be read online or downloaded using an app. It also features a number of eBooks that are available for short term loan (some may need approval by library staff, but some are available instantly.) Overall about 5000 eBooks are available on this site using your Trust login. Find out more information about accessing eBooks.
NHS Knowledge and Library Hub
This searches a wide selection of our journals as well as our books and eBooks in one place. This is an easy to use platform that is great for beginners, and works best when searching for very specific keywords or phrases. If you are using a Trust device, to log in on the webpage: click the link which says "Welcome, Guest. Sign in with NHS OpenAthens for full access." For advanced searching use the databases mentioned below.
Medline
Good starting point for medical and nursing topics. Also good second choice for some mental health, physical healthcare or AHP topics.
Embase
One of the best sources for physical healthcare and also useful for mental health. Large (but not complete) overlap with Medline - often worth searching both
CINAHL
Usually the best database for a nursing or AHP-related search topics (except in mental health – then use PsycInfo). Uses a lot of US terminology.
PsycINFO
Usually the best starting point for a mental health search. It's also very good for some AHP areas such as speech and language therapy, even for some physical health topics.
Social Policy & Practice
Social Policy and Practice is a unique bibliographic database for those working or studying in the social and health care sectors. SPP is a vital source of relevant evidence, produced by UK-based organisations which play an active role in guiding practitioners and policy-makers.
HMIC
Combination of material from two UK sources: Department of Health and King’s Fund library. Concentrates on healthcare policy, administration, organisation and management; also quality of care. Includes reports and government publications as well as journal articles.
For searches in a particular field, you will also find useful information in the related clinical databases above.
If you're looking for the link to a particular database, take a look at our A to Z list of online resources
If you still can't find the resource you are looking for, please get in touch with us using the Library and Knowledge Services Contact details below.