Module 2 (Using an Electronic Index)

Describe your clinical problem and choice of electronic index. How did the index facilitate (or impede) your ability to construct an efficient search? How time consuming was your search? Would there be barriers to using the index in daily practice?

The clinical problem I choose to search was related to caring for patients with cystic fibrosis during pulmonary exacerbations.  I wanted to know if hospitalization of patient with cystic fibrosis during pulmonary exacerbations for intravenous antibiotics improved patient outcomes compared to home care. I utilized the PubMed as an electronic index to search for articles related to this topic. I felt that PubMed was easy to use and allowed me to refine my search in ways that saved time. The use of both Boolean operators and limits to the search allowed for more efficient use of time. I think that with more practice the time it would take me to conduct a search would decrease. I think the biggest barrier to using electronic indexes in daily practice is the time it takes to learn to use an index effectively. I now feel comfortable using PubMed as an electronic index, but I don't feel the same level of comfort with other indexes. The Eccles Library website was helpful in becoming more comfortable with PubMed and I could use this as a resource in learning more about other electronic indexes.