Knowledge for Healthcare - Independent Review

The purpose of NHS Library and Knowledge Services (LKS) is to provide knowledge and evidence, and use the expertise of their staff, to enable excellent healthcare and health improvement. There is evidence of inequity, gaps and duplication in service provision to the NHS workforce and learners. Some NHS organisations operate without access to a library and knowledge service. Complex funding streams are in place (See Annexe I). In addition our data shows there are inconsistencies across organisations. The premise of the current funding approach is a partnership model whereby HEE contributes educational funding to support education and training and organisations match this with funding to support patient care, continuing professional development and research. Learning and Development Agreements (LDAs) between HEE and local NHS providers include requirements relating to the provision of LKS for NHS staff and learners. Educational Provider Agreements (EPAs) cover the requirements for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to provide LKS to the learners (both HEI health students and NHS employees on HEI courses). The aim of this review is to develop an equitable funding model in order to facilitate equity of access to quality assured LKS that ensure value for money for the NHS in England.