Systematic review support pilot bursary

This bursary supports expert search skills.

Details

You may be eligible to apply for the systematic review support pilot bursary if:

• your Knowledge and Library Service has the capacity to offer searching to support systematic reviews
• you would benefit from additional highly specialised training
• your manager will support your application with dedicated study time and confirm an intention to offer/existing systematic review support service

Applications are invited from Knowledge and Library Service (KLS) staff carrying out evidence searches to attend one of 3 search skills opportunities.

1. Media Library Association Systematic Review Services Specialization Level I Pathway. There are up to 10 places and modules can be taken until Dec 2024. There are 8 core and 4 elective modules. The study leave requirement is estimated to be up to half a day a week, when required.
2. University of Sheffield Systematic Approaches to Searching for Evidence (Online). There are up to 10 places. The study leave requirement is two 3 hour webinars over 2 days in March 2024.
3. University of Leeds Searching the Evidence Base Workshop (for mixed method reviews). There are up to 10 places. The study leave requirement in March 2024 consists of: 
   • an introductory session (1 hour)
   • two live sessions over 3 days (2 hours 30 minutes each)
   • two recorded lectures (1 hour 30 minutes each)

There is an expectation that managers will support successful applicants with dedicated study time within the working week if needed.

We welcome applications from confident searchers who are ready to take the next step into searching for systematic reviews. We also welcome applications from expert searchers who already have experience of searching for systematic reviews so we can gauge how well the opportunities cover what is needed. This will inform a future learning development pathway for expert search skills. 

As this is a pilot, the intention is to ensure a mix of levels of search experience, and then carefully evaluate what the various options deliver in terms of skills development and confidence raising.

Successful participants and their managers will be asked for detailed feedback before, during and after completion so that we can establish the practical value of these options. Manager support is essential, not least because fees will need to be paid and support given for study time.

The bursary will take the form of advance reimbursement paid via the Education Contract in January. Managers will be responsible for their staff making the booking on to the relevant course modules and making payments as necessary.

Application process

Complete the application form and return it to the Knowledge for Healthcare team.

Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 30 November.

To discuss this opportunity, please email Sarah Gardner, NHS England Project Officer for Expert Searching.