Introduction – KfH Impact Tools – What and for whom? – Definitions – Methods – Tools – References
A wide range of tools are available for measuring impact. Here are some examples, before using check that they are measuring what you want them to measure , if you adapt any, remember to pilot them before sending out widely. Also think about your sample and response rate before making claims about what the results are saying. Further guidance on best practice for impact studies for health libraries is provided in Weightman et al (2009)
Questionnaires
This is a short questionnaire that is aimed at collecting impact data from health libraries.
The questionnaire can be used by LKS staff as a standard way of obtaining data from customers following the use of one of the Library’s services or resources
See also:
This detailed questionnaire has been piloted and tested to provide impact data across the North West. It collects details of current and future contributions of clinical librarian services to a wide range of NHS related outcomes. Results of any further use of the questionnaire can be benchmarked using the data in the article.
Validated scale which was originally developed to examine the impact of electronic knowledge resources on clinical decision-making. Has been tested and used in various populations and situations, including providing information to patients.
This questionnaire was originally developed for one of the first studies to assess the impact of health libraries and is based on the Critical Incident Technique. More recently it was updated used in a large scale project across North America.
This short questionnaire was developed from a set of outcome based key performance indicators, and comprises 1 question: “how did the information provided by the library help?”. There are 5 possible responses.
Interview schedules
6. Generic impact interview schedule for health library services
This is a basic suite of generic interview tools to support the interview process for establishing impact. It has been adapted from the previous impact toolkit by NHS South Central (in particular, Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust) and interview schedule below, to reflect the language of the impact questionnaire. The tools are designed as a best practice guide for local adaptation, but also has questionnaire schedules and consent form for off-the-shelf use.
This detailed interview schedule has been piloted and tested to provide impact data across the North West. It collects details of current and future contributions of clinical librarian services to a wide range of NHS related outcomes. It can be used as a standalone tool, or to provide additional data to explain the outcomes provided from use of the questionnaire described above. Results of any further use of the schedule can be benchmarked using the data in the article.
Case Studies
Case studies can be used to capture and summarise the outcome of interviews in an effective way. The information can be used for advocacy, marketing and promotion of LKS
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