Drug Information Retrieval, Literature Evaluation and Review Flashcards
What is Drug Information Retrieval?
Drug information retrieval refers to the process of locating, accessing, and obtaining relevant
drug-related data and information to address specific queries or clinical needs.
What is the first step in DI retrieval?
The first step in DI retrieval is the definition of the DI query.
How do you define a DI query?
Clearly articulate the
question or clinical problem to be addressed. Identify whether the query is related to drug
indications, dosing, adverse effects, interactions, or another topic.
What is the secondary step in DI retrieval?
Identify relevant
resources (primary, secondary or tertiary).
What is the third step in DI retrieval?
Conduct the search using appropriate tools and
search terms.
Successful retrieval hinges on?
Retrieving information from
computerized databases requires familiarity with the database’s structure and search logic.
Successful retrieval hinges on the user’s ability to navigate these systems effectively.
What method can capture in-process citations and non-standard
terminology when trying to retrieve DI?
free text searches
A well-rounded search strategy includes various terms to ensure completeness. Give an example of this.
For
instance, searching for adolescents might require additional terms like pediatric or child
while understanding their database-specific definitions to avoid confusion.
DI retrieval success
depends on?
DI retrieval success
depends on tailoring search strategies to the unique conventions of each database and exploring
both indexed and free text options.
A good example of the standardized term for DI
retrieval is?
A good example of the standardized term for DI
retrieval is the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), which provides a standardized vocabulary for
indexing biomedical literature alongside carefully chosen keywords or search terms.
What is the function of Boolean operators?
Boolean
operators (e.g., AND, OR, NOT) further refine searches by defining relationships between terms,
thus enabling users to obtain more targeted and relevant results.
This combination of ____, _____ and ______ transforms a potentially overwhelming
search process into a streamlined and efficient method for accessing high-quality, evidence-based
information.
structured
vocabulary, keyword precision, and logical operators
Give an example of a broad and narrow search term using MEDLINE’s MeSH terms
users can explore broad topics like cardiovascular
diseases or focus on specific facets such as cardiac tamponade. Each MeSH term may have
associated subheadings (e.g., drug therapy or complications), which can also be subdivided
further, offering precision in targeting specific aspects of a topic. When searching, users can
choose between narrow subheadings (e.g., congenital heart defects: drug therapy) or broader
categories (e.g., congenital heart defects), depending on their informational needs.
MEDLINE provides other search methods such as?
MEDLINE provides other search methods, including keyword, journal name, author, or article
title.
What is the difference between a keyword and MeSH terms?
- Keywords, unlike MeSH terms, are derived from an article’s title, abstract, or indexed terms.
- a keyword search may identify irrelevant
articles, whereas a MeSH term ensures precise matching.
When would a keyword be preferred to a MeSH term?
for newly
released drugs that lack assigned MeSH terms, keyword searches become the optimal strategy.
What is the function of Boolean operators?
They allow you to combine search terms to refine and structure your query for optimal results.
The three main Boolean operators are:
AND, OR and NOT.
What is the function of AND?
The operator AND will combine two terms, returning only citations containing both of those
concepts or terms.
What is the function of OR?
Combining two terms with the operator OR will result in an equal or
greater number of returns since it will include any citation where either term is used.
What is the function of NOT?
The operator NOT would be helpful if a user wants to exclude certain topics, such as a specific disease state.
Let’s illustrate DI retrieval using this example: Is ciprofloxacin effective in treating soft tissue
infections in children?
What are the search terms in the example above?
How can you combine the search terms using Boolean operators?
The key search terms are:
1. Ciprofloxacin
2. Soft tissue infections
3. Children
Combining Search Terms Using Boolean Operators
Using AND: Ciprofloxacin AND soft tissue infections AND children
Using OR: (Ciprofloxacin) AND (soft tissue infections OR skin infections OR cellulitis) AND (children OR pediatric OR adolescents)
Using NOT: Ciprofloxacin AND soft tissue infections AND children NOT adults
Final Search String Example:
(Ciprofloxacin) AND (soft tissue infections OR skin infections OR cellulitis) AND (children OR pediatric OR adolescents)
What is Literature evaluation?
Literature evaluation refers to the process of critically assessing and analyzing published
scientific and academic materials to determine their validity, relevance, quality, and applicability
to a particular field of study or problem.
Why do pharmacists need literature reviews?
- Literature evaluation skills are critical
to determining which articles should change pharmacists’ current practice. - During rounds,
pharmacists are frequently faced with questions regarding published articles and need to have the skills to decide if the results of published clinical trials should be applied to patient care. - Pharmacists involved with a hospital’s drug and therapeutics committee also must evaluate the
literature critically to determine if a drug should be included in the hospital formulary.
