NHS Medical Search tool now available to NHS users

The Medical Search tool comprises of 3 medical information search packages that can integrate with Microsoft Office applications, windows desktop, as well as a secure document sharing tool. These tools can only be accessed through computers on the NHS network (N3).

The tools have been developed through support from the National Library for Health and Connecting for Health, utilises a vast knowledge bank of credible sources such as the National Library of Health evidence based medicine, guidance, medical dictionary and specialist libraries, British National Formulary and Medicines.org.uk. The search tool sits in existing popular software and can provide NHS users with easy access to reliable medical information that is completely up-to-date. The NHS Medical Search project has developed three tools to do this:

The Office Research pane

The first uses a feature of Microsoft Office called the research task pane. An augmented version has been developed for the NHS that allows people to use it to search the library and formularies while using Microsoft Office applications, such as Word.

The Medical Search Deskbar

The second tool that has been developed is a deskbar application that can be downloaded onto a Windows desktop (the start up screen for any computer running an operating system such as Windows XP or Windows Vista).

The SharePoint feature

The newest tool to be developed is a feature for SharePoint, which is Microsoft’s web-based collaboration platform. This is increasingly being used in the NHS to allow trust staff or particular teams to share information and exchange documents securely.

More information/download link

For further information about NHS Medical Search, please visit: www.medicalresearchservices.nhs.uk. NOTE - To access this link, users must be connected to the NHS N3 network.