Library Support
The Library at UHD supports staff and students working for both UHD and DHC.
If you are a student you can also use your university’s library.
Library support throughout your research journey
Top tips:
- If you are not already a member, join the library
- Set up your OpenAthens password to access most of our online resources
- Know how to contact us so that we can help you
Library Resources
You can access key texts available in print or electronically within UHD/DHC, useful websites, and links to relevant journals. Please note that you may need to log in using your OpenAthens password to access many of these resources.
If there are books that you would like to recommend, please let us know or contact us to make any suggestions to improve the recommendations made below.
What does the Library do?
- Access to printed and electronic materials
- Books (both printed and electronic) – search our library catalogue
- Electronic journals – browse our collection
- Databases and further online services– find out what we have to offer
- Training – explore our training provision which can be delivered via MS Teams or in-person at a time to suit your needs
- Study space – bookable rooms and open-access PCs, which allow you to work away from clinical areas
- Finding the evidence – we conduct literature searches if your search is work-related or will assist you to carry out your own search if it is for your studies.
- Monthly bulletins and alerts – you can sign up for one of our bulletins or contact us to set up an alert for you on specific topics to keep you up to date
- You can contact us by phone or email or come and visit – we are here to help
- Outreach – we attend research meetings, such as DORN+
Feature article of the month
Real-world application: Case studies in qualitative research
Abstract: "Qualitative studies are a potent tool for us to understand how to improve patient health. The articles in the rest of this series show the Where (this field came from), What (exactly is qualitative research), Why (researchers should use these powerful methodologies), and How (to carry out qualitative research). In our article, we show you the So What? We present 4 case studies of qualitative research that led to changes in surgical practice. The first is a qualitative study that focuses on the ways that surgeons make decisions to operate in the elective setting and finds that external forces play a role and that shared decision-making with patients is lacking. The second case examines qualitative research in developing the new field of surgical coaching. If groups develop new programs without understanding surgeon's occupational identity, they will not be utilized. The third example is a case study where qualitative research reveals the different mechanisms through which team leaders and members are able to improve information sharing in the intensive care unit. The last case focuses on how qualitative research elucidated the main barriers for individuals to accept bariatric surgery as a treatment. All these cases highlight how qualitative research was able to identify ways to improve patient care that otherwise had not been previously understood or explored."
Chao, G.F. et al. (2026) ‘Real-world application: Case studies in qualitative research’, Surgery, 196. doi:10.1016/j.surg.2026.110327.
Recommended Books
Key Journals and Collections
Learn about first-hand experience
Request to borrow our Living Library book
“My professional pathway into clinical research : explore how I became involved in research – and how it complements my clinical role”
With one day a week dedicated to a research-focused role at UHD—often spread flexibly across the week—this story demonstrates how accessible a career in clinical research can be, provided one brings perseverance and curiosity. Discover more about professional clinical research, a creative lifestyle and even a chance encounter with a Hollywood actress.
