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Podiatry Dissertation Literature Search Guide

Resources at UON

The Library at the University of Northampton subscribes to a number of different databases and journals to support your academic studies.

NELSON

NELSON is the tool that searches the library resources (both print and online). You can use NELSON to search the library’s books, e-books, e-journals, videos and more. Login with your University username and password at the top right-hand side of the page so you can access the full-text material and save your search results.

You can use keywords to search or use the AI research assistant. NELSON will give you the full text by default. However, if you use the Research Assistant, you will see content that you might not be able to access. A useful tip is to add 'suggest resources I can access in full' at the end of your prompt.

If the item is available electronically, you’ll see a link to the full text online. If the content is available in print, you’ll see a shelf mark letting you know where to find the book on the shelf.

Some resources are only available through their specific database, so you’ll need to go direct to them (for example, Statista).

As you develop your understanding of the topic, you may prefer to go directly to the databases. They often have subject specific filters that allow you to focus your research relevant to your topic.

NELSON Research Assistant

The NELSON Research Assistant can help you get started with your search and exploring the topic.

Useful Databases

Accessing the databases

These short videos have been created to help you access and use the databases to search for relevant information for your assignments. Descriptions about what the databases cover and links to access them are available on the A-Z Database list.

Click on the information icon next to the title of the video, to find out more about what the video demonstrates.

Videos: searching the databases

Useful websites and statistics

Statista gathers data and insights from its own sources and partners, including useful health statistics from the UK Government. Its Research AI tool helps users find and access information in a new, easier way.

NHS England Digital houses statistical dashboards and publications relating to health and social care in England.

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) is a database containing details of all admissions, A and E attendances and outpatient appointments at NHS hospitals in England. 

This same data can also be processed and used for non-clinical purposes, such as research and planning health services. Because these uses are not to do with direct patient care, they are called 'secondary uses'. This is the HES data set.

HES data covers all NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England, including:

  • private patients treated in NHS hospitals
  • patients resident outside of England
  • care delivered by treatment centres (including those in the independent sector) funded by the NHS

The Public Health Profiles are a rich source of indicators across a range of health and wellbeing themes to improve health and wellbeing, and reduce inequalities. With these profiles you can:

  • Browse indicators at different geographical levels
  • Benchmark against the regional or England average
  • Export data to use locally

These profiles have been developed by Public Health England.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. Their website provides factsheets, publications and statistical information about key health topics.