Reusable content guide

There are many excellent resources NHS staff can use to access evidence based information. Some of the key resources are outlined below. These include:

You will need an NHS Open Athens username and password to access the e-books listed.

BMJ Case Reports is the largest single collection of case reports available online, containing more than 11,000 articles from over 70 countries. It provides a peer-reviewed collection across all medical specialties, enabling healthcare professionals, researchers, and students to access clinically relevant information on both common and rare conditions.

If you would like to submit a case report for free contact your Home library for a fellowship code. 

NHS staff registered with UCL libraries can access an enhanced version via the UCL license:

1. Use a UCL Explore Access Point computer.
2. Open Web of Science (ask for help if needed).
3. Click EndNote at the top and register.
4. Access it later via my.endnote.com.
5. Refresh access yearly by logging in again from a UCL Library Explore Access Point

Clinical decision support resources are evidence-based tools that help healthcare professionals make informed decisions by providing timely, relevant clinical information.

Databases are subject-focused collections of searchable references. For in depth literature searching UCLH staff have access to a wide range of specialist databases. 

Log in with your NHS OpenAthens account for full access.

NHS staff joining UCL Libraries gain full access to all UCL library spaces and collections. You can borrow up to 20 items, with collection and returns available at any UCL library.

Search Explore to see UCL's holdings, narrow the search to 'Physical Items' to see print holdings only. 

As a library member, you have access to a wide range of electronic resources (including e-journals, e-books and more). These include:

• Nationally funded NHS content
• Trust-funded resources
• UCL’s collections

This guide is designed to help you navigate these resources. You’ll discover the different types available and learn how to access them effectively to support your learning, research, or clinical practice.

Most electronic resources require an NHS OpenAthens login. 

See our Skills pages for information about searching the databases as well as lots of other resources

NHS library members can use Explore Access Points in UCL libraries to access over 80,000 full-text journals, including key titles in medicine and healthcare.

They also gain access to databases not available via NHS OpenAthens, such as:

• Biosis
• Scopus
• Web of Science

These tools support advanced research and literature searching.

If a book you need is at a UCL library, you can ask for a chapter to be scanned and emailed to you, as long as it's allowed by copyright.

To do this:

1. Sign in to UCL Explore.

2. Find the book you want.

3. If the option is there, select "request a chapter."

See our Skills pages for information about using clinical decision tools as well as lots of other resources

Our LibrarySkills@NHS pages provide further support with referencing and reference management.

UCL's e-books can be accessed through the Explore Access Points. To see which ones are available search Explore, limit the search to Library catalogue and follow the View online links.

Keeping up to date with the latest research in your subject area ensures your research is relevant and current. Visit our LibrarySkills pages to find out more about staying up to date.