Take a top-down approach when searching; start with the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub and other secondary evidence sources that synthesise and summarise the findings of research, like point-of-care tools BMJ Best Practice, Dynamed, UpToDate: if you can find a very recent synthesis or summary or systematic review that answers your search question then you may not need to look any further.
These secondary sources typically respond well to more naturalistic search strings, so you can try typing in your search topic as you would in Google.
The Knowledge and Library Hub is the simplest way to search our book catalogue, journal subscriptions and many of our other library collections. This is where to look first if you want to find secondary evidence sources.
Trip Medical Database is a clinical search engine designed to allow users to quickly and easily find and use high-quality research evidence to support their practice and/or care. Log in to Trip Pro using your OpenAthens account to get more results and features. Results are categorised by level of evidence, allowing you to easily return secondary evidence including international guidelines.
You may also find the information you need in point-of-care tools. The Library subscribes to the following:
BMJ Best Practice is a clinical decision support tool, uniquely structured around the patient consultation. With advice on symptom evaluation, tests to order and treatment approach. Access to BMJ Best Practice is provided by Health Education England to all NHS staff in England.
Access: NHS OpenAthens account
UpToDate is an evidence-based, clinical decision at point of care, support tool. It contains all of the internal medicine sub-specialties, primary care, internal medicine, ob/gyn,paediatrics and general surgery.
Access: Users must have a Personal Account which must initially be created whilst logged on to the Barts Health Trust network. See our Clinical Decision Support guide for more info.