RCSI library information skills training programme and evidence-based study workshops

The RCSI Medical Graduate Profile includes the following outcome for:Demonstrates information literacy skills specifically:- Recognizes the need for information in given situations.- Demonstrates the ability to find, critically evaluate, manage and synthesise new information with existing information to create new understanding.- Demonstrates an understanding of the ethical issues involved in information retrieval and management including the concepts of plagiarism and confidentiality”Information literacy competencies are inextricably linked to finding the best evidence and therefore essential to practising evidence-based healthcare and to continuing professional development or life-long learning. By equipping students with these skills early in their careers RCSI is equipping them for life.RCSI Library Information Skills Training Programme and Evidence-based Study WorkshopsRCSI library staff have developed a number of “Information Skills Units” to support module specific learning outcomes across the RCSI biosciences schools. These units include learning activities to develop student information skills and being information literate is a specified outcome of the RCSI Medical Graduate Profile.This poster will focus on Evidence-based Study Workshops which have been developed and delivered in modules within the School of Medicine and the School of Physiotherapy. These workshops have been customised in co-ordination with module administrators and embedded in timetables. This close cooperation between faculty and health sciences librarians has been crucial to the success of the workshops.Specifically this poster will- Outline the structure of the workshops, which explore: · formulating clinical queries, · identifying the type of study appropriate to the clinical question, · developingappropriate strategies for a systematic search, · deploy methodological filters, · assess and appraise results- Describe how these techniques are practised in a range of databases and clinical reference tools; -Identify the challenges and successes of the Workshop approach- Make recommendations for replicating this approach.