Ensuring practice is based on the best evidence: masterclass on literature searching

The Nursing and Midwifery Council's revised Code became effective on 31 March 2015 (NMC, 2015a) and post-registration education and practice (Prep) will be replaced with revalidation in October 2015 (NMC, 2015b). The new standards and requirements aim to reassure the public that midwives are reflective, professional practitioners who provide high-quality care underpinned by best evidence (NMC, 2015a). The requirements of revalidation include increased continuing professional development (CPD) whereby midwives must provide written evidence of reflective practice and undertake at least 40 hours of work-related learning activities every 3 years (NMC, 2014; NMC, 2015a; 2015b). With the new requirement for written evidence of reflection, this article will provide some useful hints and tips on where and how to search for relevant literature and meet the requirements of the Code and revalidation.