Role of Librarians in Developing Evidence-Based Practice in PGIMER, Chandigarh (India)

Abstract

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) practice has emerged as clinical decision-making tool for better patient care. Health science librarians play a vital role in supporting EBM through searching, organising, evaluating, reviewing and offering evidence to the doctors at the time of patient care. But health science librarian are not fully trained to search, evaluate, review and critically appraise the research papers, so formal training is required to undertake literature searches, critically analysing and conducting systematic reviews. This study is carried out in PGIMER library to sought out whether and how health science librarian's roles have been changing to support EBM and what obstacles are coming on their way to provide the service. As EBM is new concept in Indian medical libraries, all PGIMER library professionals are fully enthusiast to take up this responsibility. They all feel the need of cultivating new skills and knowledge to use tools for this practice. Majority of participants even did not know to use basic searching tools. Proper training focused on EBM tools, skills, medical terminology, biostatistics, research methodology, and review of literature needs to be provided to the health science librarians so that they can accept EBM services with full fervour and zeal. This will further establish their profile at par with other professionals.