COVID-19 and the evidence team response

Throughout the pandemic, we continued contributing significantly to evidence reviews for the Department of Health, supporting evidence-based policy. We also assisted the national response to COVID-19 by providing literature searches on a range of policy issues arising from the emergency. Although these searches were less detailed than full evidence summaries, the tight deadlines remained challenging to an already busy team.

Building on global resources, we created Libguides webpages, cataloguing quality resources for use within our organisation. From the outset, the ‘infodemic’ associated with the pandemic really highlighted the importance and urgency of information professionals’ extensive work supporting and promoting evidence-based information, and countering misinformation. 

Despite being unable to meet in person, our strong team dynamic enabled our consistently high-achieving evidence information-service. With good humour, grace, and a particular kind of librarian determination, we achieved much in 2020. This included:

  • Adding a new team member
  • Increasing our evidence review output
  • Attending online meeting and conferences
  • Continuing with our professional development and external presentations
COVID-19 and the HRB National Drugs Library response

Because the HRB National Drugs Library is essentially an online repository of research related to drugs, alcohol and tobacco, we continued our work rather seamlessly. The sources we use for collection development were still available, and we could answer email queries. Our first COVID-19 library project began in February 2020. As soon as we saw research published in our subject area, we created an online COVID-19 resource and added the subject ‘Coronavirus /COVID-19’ for easy searching. This special collection of Irish and international items continues to grow, and you can access it here

An important service we thought might need suspension until post-pandemic was our work with students of addiction-related courses. We usually deliver these sessions in person, but moved to Zoom in the pandemic, and were pleasantly surprised by the transition’s success. Students became used to remote classes and are happy to participate. We can now engage with them wherever they’re based, which allows us to reach more stakeholders. 

Working collaboratively

In April 2020, the Drugs Policy Unit at the Department of Health asked the HRB to prepare a rapid evidence brief that put the Irish COVID-19 response in an international context and would assist in identifying relevant initiatives. This became a key cross-centre project utilising our varied information and research skills. As information specialists we had key responsibilities, notably the search for relevant literature. We were also involved in report editing and referencing, which proved challenging due to the extremely tight deadlines. 

In addition to continuing regular duties, we also supported the HSE National Health Library and Knowledge Service summary service. Their summaries are compilations of evidence and reliable sources to assist healthcare professionals stay current with COVID-19 research. This huge national effort also provided contact and collegiality, which was of great benefit to librarians working from home.

As members of the Health Sciences Libraries Group committee, we were determined to support health librarians throughout Ireland. The committee developed a range of initiatives to aid information sharing and continued professional development by members.  

We have shown how we can work successfully alone, but also how important it is to stay closely in-touch. Within the Evidence Centre, regular virtual meetings keep us connected personally and professionally. This has been, perhaps, the key to productivity and good mental health.

Opportunity in a crisis

The past year has created opportunities for us, and all HRB staff, to demonstrate the value of our skills and our ability to contribute to essential policy and practice. Having relevant organisational policies and procedures and being well informed by management, who recognise the various circumstances we face when balancing personal and professional commitments, has underpinned our ability to continue working effectively. However, the situation has also revealed an ability to innovate and a deep dedication to fulfilling our roles. It is hard to envisage the future, but we can be confident that whatever we face, we will adapt and rise to the challenge.

This blog was compiled by Mary Dunne, Mairea Nelson and Brian Galvin of the HRB National Drugs Library, and Louise Farragher, Caitriona Lee and Ailish Farragher of the HRB evidence team. It was adapted from a larger piece published in the March 2021 edition of An Leabharlann, the bulletin of the Library Association of Ireland and The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (Ireland). 

Visit the website of the HRB National Drugs Library

Visit the HRB National Drug Libary’s online COVID-19 resource

Read more about the HRB Evidence Centre