Searching the Literature Comes before Writing the Literature: How Clinicians Can Use Printed Bibliographies,Tapes,and Computers

Abstract

Searching the literature can be done quickly and efficiently if appropriate guides and suitable methods are used. The current search for a few recent references can be accomplished by either the Medline search or the Abridged Index Medicus, depending on the subject. A review of the literature should start with Medical Subject Headings, Index Medicus, and Cumulated Index Medicus and then draw on other guides as needed. The Science Citation Index will be helpful in locating modifications of earlier work and in many other ways. As potentially useful references are found they should be accurately recorded. Guides are available for many areas related to medicine. Foreign languages need not cause insurmountable problems. Books, as well as journals, can provide helpful information. Several useful services are available on tapes or through computerized systems, and much pertinent information can easily be obtained from these as well as from printed sources.