Describe three unique features of PubMed database that sets this database apart from other evidence-based search engines.
Compare and contrast two additional databases and reference your selected topic, by using the Cochrane Collaboration and Medline as your search engines.
Determine how you applied the three key questions when deciding which database to use.
Include 3 references
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Medical college students need to be equipped with the right tools to conduct research and find evidence-based information. As a medical professor, it is important to provide them with the necessary guidance and resources. This content will describe unique features of PubMed database, compare and contrast two additional databases, and explain how the three key questions were applied in selecting the appropriate database.
Answer:
1. Three unique features of PubMed database that sets it apart from other evidence-based search engines:
a. MeSH Terms (Medical Subject Headings): This is a unique feature of PubMed that allows researchers to use standardized vocabulary to search for articles. By using MeSH terms, researchers can get more accurate and relevant search results.
b. Automatic Term Mapping (ATM) and Related Articles: PubMed uses ATM to map the search terms to MeSH terms. This helps researchers to find articles that use similar terms. The ‘Related Articles’ feature helps in identifying articles that are related to the search topic. These features make finding articles more efficient.
c. Full-text articles: PubMed provides free full-text articles that are related to the search topic. This is a valuable feature for researchers and students who may not have access to paid journals and articles.
2. Comparison of two additional databases (Cochrane Collaboration and Medline) referencing the selected topic:
a. Cochrane Collaboration: This database mainly focuses on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of healthcare interventions. It provides high-quality evidence and recommendations for practice. The database is updated regularly, and the articles are peer-reviewed. This makes Cochrane a reliable source for evidence-based practice.
b. Medline: This database covers a wide range of topics in the field of medicine. It has over 26 million citations from over 5,500 journals. Medline also uses MeSH terms for searching and indexing articles. The database is updated daily, giving users access to the latest research in the field.
3. Use of the three key questions when deciding which database to use:
a. What is the research question? This question determines which database will provide the most relevant information. If the question is related to healthcare interventions, Cochrane Collaboration would be the most appropriate database. If it relates to a broad range of medical topics, Medline would be best.
b. What is the type of information required? This will affect the choice of the database. If full-text articles are needed, PubMed would be the best option as it offers free full-text articles. If reviews or summaries of evidence-based practice are needed, then Cochrane Collaboration would be more appropriate.
c. What level of evidence is required? Databases have different levels of evidence. Cochrane Collaboration provides the highest level of evidence, with its systematic reviews and meta-analyses. PubMed and Medline provide varying levels of evidence, depending on the search terms and MeSH terms used.
References:
1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). PubMed. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
2. The Cochrane Collaboration. (n.d.). Discover Cochrane. Retrieved from https://www.cochrane.org/about-us/discover-cochrane
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). About MEDLINE/PubMed. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_medline.html
