The Primary Care National electronic Library for Health (NeLH-PC): a pilot of information-centred knowledge management for primary care - www.nelh-pc.nhs.uk

Abstract

Introduction: The NeLH-PC (Primary Care National electronic Library for Health) was created as part of the NHS information strategy. It is designed to deliver knowledge to primary care. The rationale for developing this library as a knowledge management tool and where it sits within the science of knowledge management are described. Method: Focus groups were used to define the questions that arise in primary care that the NeLHPC should be seeking to answer. The Primary Care Library is subject to a cyclical programme of continuous improvement. Results: A site has been developed to meet users' needs and levels of expertise.NeLH-PC attracts from 500 000 to in excess of 800 000 hits per month. Conclusions: NeLH-PC provides an exemplar of how a limited range of knowledge management tools is utilised. More investment is needed if a broader range of tools is to be provided. Greater integration is required with educationalists and other information and knowledge services if the library's full potential is to be realised.

Keywords

• electronic library
• evidence-based medicine
• Internet portal
• knowledge management
• primary care