Finding the Evidence for Practice

This book is a practical guide, using a case-study approach to introduce different sources of information and how to use them. The aim of the guide is to : increase the user's awareness sources of available health related information; help the user understand the techniques involved in undertaking a literature search; demystify some of the jargon associated with computer based literature searching and the internet; help users carry out searches efficiently and effectively; and, help users practice literature searching techniques. The guide is in 3 main sections: sources of information; undertaking a literature search; and, practical exercises. Each chapter in the first two sections ends with key points and quizzes for monitoring progress. Section 3 is made up entirely of practical exercises covering MEDLINE searching and searching the Internet. Suggested answers on how best to conduct the searches set out in the exercises are provided at the end of the book.