Reflections from the DHCW Research, Innovation and e-library conference

We recently brought together over 100 colleagues from across NHS Wales for our joint Research, Innovation and e-Library conference.  

From the moment the day started, there was a real sense of energy both in the room and online. People came ready to share ideas, learn from one another and make connections.  

One of the things that stood out most was how far we've come over the past year in bringing our work closer together. Across Research, Innovation, and the NHS Wales e-Library teams, we've been working much more collaboratively and we're already seeing the benefits. 

We're creating stronger links between evidence, knowledge and innovation, growing our relationships with partners and thinking more collectively about the challenges we're trying to solve. Much of that progress has come through everyday conversations, shared learning and people working together to find solutions. 

Focusing on impact 

A key theme throughout the day was impact. 

There is clearly a growing demand across NHS Wales for research, knowledge and innovation support, which is really encouraging. But alongside that comes a clear expectation that we demonstrate the difference our work is making. 

We heard some excellent examples of how data is supporting research, helping to shape services and enabling better decision making. That's where our focus needs to be, making sure the work we do leads to tangible benefits for staff, patients and services across Wales. 

Celebrating 20 years of the NHS Wales e-Library 

The conference also gave us the opportunity to celebrate 20 years of the NHS Wales e-Library, which felt particularly special. 

Hearing Bernadette Coles, a retired NHS librarian, speak so passionately about the history of the service was a reminder of how much it has evolved over the years. What began as a service focused largely on access to resources has become a vital part of supporting clinical decision-making, learning and improvement across NHS Wales. 

It is clear that the e-Library will continue to evolve. It's no longer just about providing access to information; it's about helping people find the right knowledge at the right time, supporting them when they need it and playing an increasingly important role within a wider knowledge system for NHS Wales. 

There was a real commitment to working together across Wales, making better use of knowledge, evidence and data, and continuing to improve the support we provide to services. That feeling of collaboration and collective ambition gives me great confidence about what can be achieved. 

Looking ahead 

Looking ahead, there was a real sense of wanting to build on what’s already working and make it easier for people to get involved. A lot of conversations came back to simplifying access, whether that’s finding the right route into research and innovation, or making it quicker and easier to use data, knowledge, and evidence in day-to-day work. Collaboration remains key, but so does making sure our services feel intuitive, responsive, and genuinely helpful. 

There was also plenty of interest in how data, digital tools, and AI can support this. The LibKey Nomad demo was a great example of something practical that makes a real difference, helping people get to evidence quickly. Alongside that, there was a strong focus on making sure staff feel confident using these tools, with the right support in place. Open access felt like an area where we already have momentum following publication of the Open Access Feasibility Study, but it now needs to be more joined up and practical so publishing openly becomes the norm.  

For AI, the message was clear, huge potential, but it needs to be used thoughtfully, with good awareness of quality, limitations, and copyright, so it supports rather than replaces critical thinking drawing upon the guidance in the e-Library’s Using AI for Information Discovery and Use policy.  

Thank you to everyone who took part in the conference and contributed to the discussions throughout the day.  

If you would like to find out more about Research and Innovation, e-Library services or accessing resources, please see our webpages: 

Research and Innovation and NHS Wales e-Library or contact us via email DHCW_R&I@wales.nhs.uk and elibrary@wales.nhs.uk.