How to find relevant research

Published research is available from the internet, but it can be hard to judge how well the research was carried out and how valid and applicable the result/findings are. You can avoid this problem by using

recognised ‘gateways’ for research evidence
reputable databases that provide access to articles which have been peer reviewed by experts in the field

National End of Life Care Intelligence Network

The National End of Life Care Intelligence Network (NEoLCIN), is supported by the NEoLCP and aims to

to provide easy access to the latest data, research, analysis and statistics.
improve the collection and analysis of information related to the quality, volume and costs of care provided by the NHS, social services and the third sector, to adults approaching the end of life.

in order to help drive improvements in the quality and productivity of services.

Universities

University websites – which often provide references and contact details of key researchers – can also be useful, especially if the university has a department that specialises in end of life care research. University libraries are important sources of information and increasingly these can be accessed remotely by those entitled to use their services.

NHS libraries

NHS libraries are also important sources of information and increasingly these can be accessed remotely by those entitled to use their services.

Other organisations

Some organisations, including the main charities active in end of life care, compile research resources relevant to their work.

Links to research organisations can be found on the National End of Life Care Intelligence Network website

The National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation (NIHR SDO) commissions research evidence related to to organisation and delivery of healthcare

The National Cancer Action Team website intelligence section provides useful links to cancer-related research findings, including those provided by the National Cancer Intelligence Network website

The Cicely Saunders Institute at Kings College London undertakes research into a variety of aspects of palliative and end of life care.

PRISMA – European priorities for research and measurement in end-of-life is a major three year coordinating action project funded by the European Union, focussed on end-of-life cancer care.

Journals

Some journals provide ‘open access’ to their papers such as BMC Palliative Care. which is a peer reviewed journal.

Links to journals publishing end of life care research (NB: most require subscriptions/payment) can be found on the National End of Life Care Intelligence Network website