Resource of the Month - Clinical Key

ClinicalKey, a clinical search engine by Elsevier, provides an extensive library of multimedia resources designed to support clinical decision-making, medical education, and patient communication. These resources include:

• Medical and Surgical Images: Access to over 7 million images, including professional clinical photography, radiological scans (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), charts, and anatomical diagrams.
• Procedure Videos: More than 12,000 step-by-step videos demonstrating clinical and surgical procedures, many of which are peer-reviewed for accuracy.
• Presentation Maker: A tool that allows users to export saved images directly into PowerPoint (PPT) files. This feature automatically includes source links and proper citations for educational use.
• Patient Education Handouts: Over 15,000 customizable handouts that use simplified language and illustrations to help explain conditions and treatments to patients.
• Clinical Calculators: Interactive tools for medical formulas, dosing, and risk scores integrated into the search results.

How to Access Multimedia

• Search: Enter a keyword into the main search bar on the ClinicalKey homepage.
• Filter: Select "Image" or “Video” from the content-type dropdown menu to see both images and videos.
• Refine: Use the sidebar to filter specifically for "Images" or "Videos," or to narrow results by medical specialty. 

Access Clinical Key via the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub or online www.clinicalkey.com  and log in with your OpenAthens account.

Sign up for free online Clinical Key training sessions here - https://tinyurl.com/n2hjw5en

HIW 2026: Translated Patient Information

 

Over a million people in the UK can’t speak English well or at all, according to census data from 2021. One of the themes of Health Information Week 2026 is translated patient information, so here is a brief overview of some useful resources.

The World Health Organization has factsheets on a huge variety of topics, which are available in a few different languages: https://www.who.int/health-topics/. Doctors of the World also have an extensive digital collection of resources: https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information/

Some UK professional bodies, such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists, have their own translations of health information: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/translations.

Several health charity websites have translated information for the public, such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Diabetes UK, The British Heart Foundation and Asthma and Lung UK.

MTW and KMMH staff can access patient information, including some translations, via the clinical decision support tools BMJ Best Practice and DynaMed (accessed via Open Athens login).

On BMJ Best Practice, search by keyword for your topic, then navigate to ‘patient information’ on the menu at the top of the page, listed under ‘resources’.

On DynaMed, search for your topic, then on the left-hand menu select ‘patient information’.

Patient information in other languages can be found on ClinicalKey via OpenAthens too.

Please note that these patient information resources are produced by organisations outside the NHS, so check origin of resources for relevance to your context.

The Patient Information Forum has provided some tips about translating patient information: https://pifonline.org.uk/resources/translated-health-information-matters/. The BMA also gives some advice about use of interpreters.

If you have any questions about accessing BMJ Best Practice, DynaMed or any other information resources, please contact the library team: mtw-tr.library @nhs.net

Promoting high-quality health information

 

Health Information Week is nearly here! What activities can you get involved in?

The Library & Knowledge Services team will be hosting stands outside the canteens at Maidstone Hospital (Mon 19th 12:30-13:30), Fordcombe Hospital (Tue 20th 10:30-11:30) and Tunbridge Wells Hospital (Wed 21st 11:30-13:00). Pop along to find out more and to pick up a freebie!

Also, if you are interested, make sure to sign up to our online training before bookings close on MTW Learning/iLearn:

• Introduction to AI in healthcare: Tuesday 20th January, 9:30 - 10:30 on Teams
• Evidence search training: Thursday 22nd January, 13:30 - 14:30 on Teams 

Keep an eye on our social media for extra information throughout the week… @mtwnhslibrary

Build Your Skills: Upcoming training courses 2026

Our Library and Knowledge Services team offer a comprehensive set of training courses, designed to support MTW and KMMH staff and students with your research, professional development and clinical practice

Don't miss this opportunity to develop skills that will benefit both your career and patient care.

All  our courses are delivered conveniently via Teams, and with multiple dates available for each course, to help you find a session that fits your schedule. Sessions range from 45 to 90 minutes, making it easier to fit into your busy day.

For Those Starting Their Learning Journey:

• Preparing for Study – Perfect if you're considering further education or returning to academic work after a break
• Introduction to the NHS Knowledge & Library Hub – Get familiar with the essential resources available to you

Build Your Research Skills:

• Evidence Search Training – Learn how to find the most relevant and reliable evidence efficiently
• Searching for Evidence: Beyond the Databases – NEW for 2026! Discover alternative sources beyond the medical databases and advanced search techniques
• Critical Appraisal: Quantitative Studies – Develop the skills to evaluate research quality and applicability

Specialist Topics:

• Health Literacy Awareness Training – Understand how to communicate health information effectively to diverse audiences
• Introduction to AI in Healthcare – Stay ahead of the curve with insights into artificial intelligence applications in healthcare settings

How to Book

MTW staff: Book via MTW Learning at https://mtwlearning.org/login/

KMMH staff: Book via iLearn at https://ilearn.kmpt.org

Need something more tailored? We also offer 1:1 and group sessions on topics specific to your needs. Simply email mtw-tr.clinical.librarians@nhs.net to arrange a convenient date.

Health Information Week 2026

Health Information Week will be running 19th-23rd January and you have the opportunity to get involved! Health Information Week aims to promote the resources and skills needed to effectively find and evaluate high-quality information for better patient/public health outcomes. This year's themes are:

• Monday 19th – Children and Young People
• Tuesday 20th - Translated Patient Information
• Wednesday 21st – Women’s Health
• Thursday 22nd – Mental Health
• ​Friday 23rd  – Winter Health

The MTW Library & Knowledge Services team will be hosting stands outside the restaurants at Maidstone Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital - check back nearer the time for more details! Or follow us on Instagram/X for the latest updates @mtwnhslibrary.

Our team will also be running two training sessions during the week: 

• Introduction to AI in healthcare: Tuesday 20th January, 9:30 - 10:30 on Teams
• Evidence search training: Thursday 22nd January, 13:30 - 14:30 on Teams 

You can sign up to these sessions on MTW Learning.

Also keep an eye out on our blog and social media for extra information-related tips!

In the meantime, you can find more about Health Information Week on the campaign website.