eLearning for Healthcare (eLfH) has been developed by Health Education England (HEE) in collaboration with Royal Colleges, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England, NHS Improvement and Public Health England.

Below are some (eLfH) courses that relate to finding and using evidence in research and practice, and developing functional skills.

eLfH courses

Literature searching

These modules are designed to help the healthcare workforce (clinical and non-clinical) build confidence to search published literature for articles and evidence relevant to their work, study and research. The modules are short (each taking no more than 20 minutes to complete) and may be ‘dipped into’ for reference, or completed to obtain a certificate.

There are seven modules suitable for novice searchers and those wishing to refresh their existing knowledge:
Module 1 Introduction to searching
Module 2 Where do I start searching?
Module 3 How do I start to develop a search strategy?
Module 4 Too many results? How to narrow your search
Module 5 Too few results? How to broaden your search
Module 6 Searching with subject headings
Module 7 Searching the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub and bibliographic databases

They are free to access, but sign in with your NHS OpenAthens to record CPD and obtain your certificate of completion.

The programme is also available to NHS healthcare staff via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). Accessing this eLearning via ESR means that your completions will transfer with you throughout your NHS career.

Critically Appraising the Evidence Base

If you want the skills to know what good evidence looks like, then you need to understand the basics of critical appraisal. It's not just essential for good evidence-based practice; It can enrich your own research and learning, and you can apply it to other areas of your life.

To develop these skills, the NHS Knowledge for Healthcare Learning Academy has developed 8 eLearning modules.  The sessions are short, taking about 30 minutes to complete.

Login with your NHS OpenAthens account.

The programme is also available to NHS healthcare staff via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). Accessing this e-learning via ESR means that your completions will transfer with you throughout your NHS career.

Research, Audit and Quality Improvement

The Research, Audit and Quality Improvement programme introduces the learner to a variety of topics pertinent to clinical research, audit and quality improvement undertaken by the NHS and its academic partners.

  • Research and Audit Core Knowledge Module:
    Enables users to interpret the validity and reliability of healthcare data (e.g. clinical trials, reviews, audits) and respond appropriately with respect to their clinical practice. In addition, it provides the first steps for those contemplating a research or audit project
  • Perioperative Improvement Science and Management (PRISM-ed) Module:
    Based on the Improvement Science curriculum from the Royal College of Anaesthetists, this module outlines key knowledge and training resources required to deliver quality improvement within healthcare

Login with your NHS OpenAthens account

The programme is also available to NHS healthcare staff via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). Accessing this elearning via ESR means that your completions will transfer with you throughout your NHS career.

Health Literacy

This 30 minute introductory session from NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and Health Education England (HEE) defines health literacy, why it is important and the core techniques that can be used to improve health literacy. It has been developed to help you understand the role health literacy plays in making sure everyone has enough knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence to use health information, to be active partners in their care, and to navigate health and social care systems.

Login with your NHS OpenAthens account

Microsoft 365 overview

This 5 section eLearning course introduces using OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Apps and 365’s accessibility features.

Login with your NHS OpenAthens account

The programme is also available to NHS healthcare staff via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). Accessing this e-learning via ESR means that your completions will transfer with you throughout your NHS career.

Microsoft Teams training

This course introduces you to the features of Microsoft Teams via bite sized tutorials:
Section 1 – Getting started with Teams
Section 2 – Interacting with Teams
Section 3 – Scheduling Teams meetings
Section 4 – Managing a Teams meeting
Section 5 – Administering Teams
Section 6 – Going further with Teams

Login with your NHS OpenAthens account

National Numeracy Challenge

The Challenge is an online learning resource to help you check and improve your numeracy – the maths you use in daily life and at work, like managing your money, working out measurements or understanding percentages, rather than algebra or trigonometry.

Use the Challenge to:

  • Quickly check your everyday maths skills
  • Increase your confidence with numbers
  • Learn online and improve your skills
  • Prepare to take a formal qualification like Functional Skills

Login with your NHS OpenAthens account