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EBM:  Finding the best evidence using PubMed

All students are required to complete & submit one search strategy to a librarian for analysis. This will allow you to test your ability to find good evidence regarding a clinical question, and to receive feedback about your search.

This assignment should be completed using PubMed. To help you develop good database search skills to use for the case presentations this semester and rotations during the third and fourth years, you should consider one of the following:

  • Watch PICO to RCT, an 18-minute tutorial specifically for PDS students.
  • Attend a 30-minute search session developed specifically for PDS (sessions are in HSLC 2121):
    • Friday, Jan. 25, 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
    • Tuesday, Jan. 29, 1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
    • Wednesday, Jan. 30, 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
    • Thursday, Jan. 31, 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Set up an individual appointment with Ebling Librarians:
the search assignment

Enter your name, email, and ID number

name
email
10 digit ID#

I learned how to use PubMed (enter all that apply):

Watching the video PICO to RCT
Attending an Ebling Library PDS session (1/25, 1/29, 1/30, 1/31)
Using an online PubMed tutorial from PubMed
Working one-on-one with a librarian
Other, please specify:

For the most efficient assistance from the librarian, enter a PICO question:

(Problem/Patient)
(Intervention)
(Comparison)
(Outcome)

Access PubMed.

Try using the Clinical Queries feature. Be sure the Clinical Queries using Research Methodology Filters button is selected. You are not using the Systematic Reviews at this point. Also, select the appropriate Category and Emphasis buttons.

Review your results and redo the search as necessary.

Utilize the MeSH database to find appropriate terminology.
If necessary, use limit (date range, age groups, subsets such as AIM/Core Clinical Journals, etc. to narrow your search).

When you are happy with the results, enter the search history.

Click on the HISTORY button and copy & paste your search history into the box below.

Enter your search history:

Enter the set number from the SEARCH HISTORY screen which retrieved the best results.

Example: Set #11

From your search results, copy and paste the citation you chose for your assignment.

Citation:

When you have completed this form, click this button:

You will receive a critique of your search strategy by email.

getting help

Erika Sevetson - 262-9506 or esevetson@library.wisc.edu
Chris Hooper-Lane - 263-9324 or chooper@library.wisc.edu

OR

Laura Zakowski, MD - 263-2903 or zakowski@facstaff.wisc.edu

Page last updated: January 25, 2008
Questions or suggestions? Contact Chris Hooper-Lane