Pubmed is a fascinating electronic index. If you have a question related to caring for patients it allows you to search and find an article that may give you the answers. For those who have had the pleasure of doing research through the iconic library books, copying at the cost of hundreds of dollars, writing on index cards... this is nothing short of miraculous. There is some tediousness to the process of learning the method of searching. I highly suggest starting at the information videos that the library offers and then just practice.
The National Guideline Clearinghouse was a site that I have rarely used to search for an answer to a clinical question. I have been at the site doing specific research on my Capstone but it was to download a published guideline that I had knowledge of. Searching in the compare mode was excellent. I gained as much from the headings that the comparison guidelines use to present their information as the actual information. This is a very strong evidence-based site that is easily accessed and has clear instructions on finding information. At this time in the evolution of EBM there is a paucity of guidelines but I am sure that over the next decade this site will provide guidance for clinicians who are looking at effective, quality care guidelines.
Google is the People's choice awards. Fast, efficient source for data...but data is information not knowledge. There is a real concern about the misinformation and propaganda that can be found on this site. Given that information, a prudent researcher/clinician looking for specific information will need to make sure and check the sources of the data and determine its evidence level as it is left for the reader to determine.
So PUBMED on into the wee hours of the night. You might still be thirsty but you will be well on your way to more articles than you will know what to do with.
I couldn't say it better myself. Excellent summation of this module.
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