Searching the Literature: A Simple Step-Wise Process for Evidence-Based Medicine

Abstract

Sifting and sorting through the literature and research on health care is an important skill for practicing pharmacists. It is vital for staying current and, most important, helping with the critical task of avoiding adverse drug events in the optimal care of patients. Today, searching this literature efficiently and effectively is increasingly difficult at a time when clinical knowledge is growing exponentially. This article aims to provide a systematic process for going through the literature in an evidence-based manner.