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Welcome
Welcome to Richter Library's Resource Guide
for Nursing and Health Studies!

This guide is a great tool for finding information for research, collecting articles for classes, and broadening your knowledge of Nursing and Health Studies. Each tab contains current and relevent resources for assisting you in collecting the best information for your project, interest, or research.Ā
Subject Specialist
-
Saily Marrero
Nursing & Health Studies, Biology, and Psychology Librarian
Please provide a brief description of the topics or issues you would like to discuss during our consultation.
Table of Contents
PubMed vs Embase vs Medline
Adams, H. (2024, May 15, 2024). Research: What's the difference between PubMed, Medline & Embase? King Edward Memorial Hospital.
Research Databases
Primary index to the international literature of nursing and health.
PubMed
Provides access to citations for biomedical articles from Medline and life science journals. Citations may include links to full-text articles.
Abstracts of scholarly journal articles, book chapters, books, and dissertations, in behavioral science and mental health. Citations and summaries date back to early 1800s; journal coverage from 1887 to present. From the American Psychological Association.
A source for full-text, peer-reviewed scholarly and scientific articles in psychology.
Web of Science
Web of Science, published by Thomson Reuters, is a multi-disciplinary database that provides integrated access to over 8,000 key research journals indexed in: Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Science Citation Index, and Arts and Humanities Citation Index.
Embase
Embase is a comprehensive biomedical literature database that provides over 30 million abstracts and indices from published, peer-reviewed literature, in-press publications and conferences covering the most important international biomedical literature from 1947 to the present day.
Cochrane Library
Collection of health databases providing independent evidence to inform clinical treatment decisions and other health related decisions.
Clinical Care Databases
UpToDate
UpToDate is an evidence-based, physician-authored clinical decision support resource combining broad coverage of adult primary care, subspecialty internal medicine, ob/gyn, general surgery and pediatrics. Contains over 77,000 pages of original, peer-reviewed text that are written, reviewed and continuously updated by over 5,100 physicians to ensure that the content remains current. The expert faculty synthesizes the most recent medical information in order to provide users with specific, practical, evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment that have been proven to improve patient care and quality.
DynaMed is the next-generation clinical reference tool physicians can rely on for fast, easy access to point-of-care decision support. Written by a team of specialized physicians and researchers, content is updated several times daily to include information on the latest evidence-based research, providing practice-changing answers to clinical questions with optimized speed.
Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Based Practice (EBP) Database
The Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database allows you to search simultaneously, a wide range of summarized and appraised evidence, to inform your practice. This comprehensive range of resources includes over 3,000 records across seven publication types: Evidence Based Recommended Practices, Evidence Summaries, Best Practice Information Sheets, Systematic Reviews, Consumer Information Sheets, Systematic Review Protocols, and Technical Reports.
Include's Harrison's Online and Goodman and Gilman's Pharmacology. McGraw-Hill's AccessMedicine.com is an innovative online resource that provides students, residents, clinicians, and researchers with instant answers to clinical questions from the most trusted sources. Updated daily and expanded continuously, Access Medicine is designed for direct access to the information necessary for completing evaluations, diagnoses, case management decisions, conducting research, medical education, or self-assessment and board review.
ClinicalKey Flex
ClinicalKey is a clinical search engine that supports clinical decisions by making it easier to find and apply relevant knowledge.
Visual & Physical Exam Databases
Bates Visual Guide to Physical Examination
Now in its 5th edition and featuring completely reshot content and new clinical skills videos, Bates Visual Guide delivers head-to-toe and systems-based physical examination techniques for the (Advanced) Assessment or Introduction to Clinical Medicine course. The site features more than 8 hours of video content.
VisualDx
VisualDx aids in the identification of dermatologic, infectious, genetic, metabolic, nutritional and occupational diseases, benign and malignant growths, drug-induced conditions, and other injuries. Engineered for use at the point of care, the VisualDx system allows physicians to search by diagnosis, build a patient-specific differential, or look up drug-induced adverse reactions by medication. The database covers more than 1,300 pediatric and adult conditions represented by nearly 30,000 images.
Drug Information
Micromedex
Micromedex Solutions provide hospitals and healthcare providers with a single source of clinical information from need-to-know drug, pediatric, disease, lab, and toxicology information to comprehensive resources for patient and consumer education.
Hospitals can use Micromedex evidence and real-time clinical surveillance to proactively find and administer preventative care to high-risk patients to help prevent or mitigate Avoidable Drug Events, Hospital-Acquired Infections, and more.
Toxnet
Collection of toxicology and environmental health databases, hazardous chemicals and toxic releases. From the U.S. National Library of Medicine
NLM Drug Information Portal
This database, sponsored by the National Library of Medicine, provides information on over 78 thousand drugs.
Image Databases
Harden Image Library
Freely available; all images in public domain.
Parasite Image Library
From the CDC
Science Direct is a full text database offering journals and books from the leading scholarly publisher Elsevier. It has particular strengths in medicine and mathmatics, but its nine million articles cover a wide range of scientific topics. The collection stretches back to 1823 and includes prominent publications including The Lancet, Cell and Tetrahedron. ScienceDirect hosts over 2,500 journals, more than 33,000 books & over 13 million peer-reviewed publications (including Open Access journals) in science, technical information, and health. Note Nursing journals in Column 3 Health Sciences.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Public Health Image Library (PHIL)
Available images from the CDC -- most images in public domain.
uSearch
Directions to the Stacks
1)Ā Go to the 2nd floor of Richter Library
2) If you're coming from the elevators go to your right. If you're coming from the stairs go straight toward the elevators across and take a left.
3) Look for the sign that says "Stacks Elevators" down the hall.
What is Evidence Based Medicine?
Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)Ā is the conscientious, explicit, judicious and reasonable use of modern, best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. EBM integrates clinical experience and patient values with the best available research information. (Sackett, 1997).
Evidence-Based Public HealthĀ is defined as the "conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the current best evidence in making decisions about the care of communities and populations in the domain of health protection, disease prevention, health maintenance and improvement (health promotion)."Ā In other words, "it is the process of systematically finding, appraising, and using contemporaneous research findings as the basis for decisions in public health."Ā (Jenicek, 1997)Ā
Clinical Questions, Study Design, & EBM Resource

Appraisal Worksheets
Use the following worksheets to help you evaluate articles for quality and risk of bias.
Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP): Produces simple critical appraisal checklists for different study designs. Each checklist covers validity, results, and clinical relevance of an article.
Dartmouth Libraries EBM Checklists: DartmouthĀ University's EBMĀ Research Guide hasĀ appraisal worksheets by study design you can use to evaluate studies.
Duke University Appraisal Worksheets: Duke University's EBP Research Guide hasĀ appraisal worksheets you can use to evaluate studies.Ā
Evidence Based Medicine Toolbox Worksheets: The EBM Toolbox website has example scenarios and worksheets you can download to evaluate studies.Ā
EBM Calculators: The EBM Toolbox website has EBM calculators that help you calculate statistics, odds ratio, and etc.
Evidence Based Practice Resources
EBM Research Guide: This guide from George Washington University's Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library helps with identifying the different types of tudy design and levels of evidence
Understanding Research Study Designs: University of Minnesota Libraries' research guide includes information on the basic designs of research studies.
Evidence-Based Practice, Step by Step: A collection of articles provided by the American Journal of Nursing to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to implement evidence-based practice.Ā
Point of Care Tools
DynaMed
DynaMed is the next-generation clinical reference tool physicians can rely on for fast, easy access to point-of-care decision support. Written by a team of specialized physicians and researchers, content is updated several times daily to include information on the latest evidence-based research, providing practice-changing answers to clinical questions with optimized speed.
UpToDate
UpToDate is an evidence-based, physician-authored clinical decision support resource combining broad coverage of adult primary care, subspecialty internal medicine, ob/gyn, general surgery and pediatrics. Contains over 77,000 pages of original, peer-reviewed text that are written, reviewed and continuously updated by over 5,100 physicians to ensure that the content remains current. The expert faculty synthesizes the most recent medical information in order to provide users with specific, practical, evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment that have been proven to improve patient care and quality.
Further Reading
Jenicek M. (1997). Epidemiology, evidenced-based medicine, and evidence-based public health.Ā Journal of epidemiology,Ā 7(4), 187ā197. https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.7.187
Sackett D. L. (1997). Evidence-based medicine.Ā Seminars in perinatology,Ā 21(1), 3ā5. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0146-0005(97)80013-4
Young, J. M., & Solomon, M. J. (2009).Ā How to critically appraise an article. Nature Clinical Practice. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 6(2), 82ā91. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpgasthep1331
Information for Healthcare Providers
MedlinePlus: Extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 750 diseases and conditions. Contains translated health information for non-English speakers.
Office of Minority Health:Ā Excellent resource for basic information about health issues of minority groups in the U.S.
ethnoMED:Ā Educates healthcare providers on clinical and cultural topics relevant to patient care and provides patients with tailored health resources.
Health Information Resources in Foreign Languages
MedlinePlus en EspaƱol: Medline has a Spanish version of its website for Spanish speaking populations.
Medline in Multiple Languages:Ā You can browse health information in multiple languages fromt this website.Ā
U.S. Data
U.S. Census State Profiles: Explore the the demographics of each state and learn about a state's education, income, health, and etc.
State Immigration Data Profiles: This website includes information the demographics, languages spoken, education, workforce, and income of immigrants in each U.S. state.
Note on Federal Government Data
Some U.S. government websites are currently being reviewed and modifying their data to comply with the current administration. As a result some datasets may not be accessible.Ā Look for a notice like this on visible web pages.
Table of Content
Databases
Statista
Integrates over 85,000 diverse topics of data and facts from over 10,000 sources onto a single professional platform. The database provides business customers, researchers, and the academic community with direct access to relevant quantitative facts on agriculture, finance, politics, and many more areas of interest.
Statistics from International Organizations
PAHO (Pan American Health Organization)
The international health agency (IHA) of the Americas and the Regional Office for the Americas at the WHO.
World Bank
Links to data and research, countries, projects and more.
WHO: Research Tools
Includes links to burden of disease statistics and much more.
UNICEF: Monitoring & Statistics
Links to statistics globally and by country.
NationMaster
Source for statistics derived from CIA World Factbook, OECD, WHO, World Bank, World Resources Institute, UNESCO and additional sources. Data presented graphically.
Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx)
The GHDx is a data catalog listing information about microdata, aggregated data, and research results with a focus on health-related and demographic datasets.
IPUMS International
From around the world, IPUMS collects and preserves census microdata and documentation, harmonizes them. and disseminates free of charge.
Organization for Economic Cop-operation and Development (OECD) Health
The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) is a forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy. We work with over 100 countries across the world to build stronger, fairer and cleaner societies - helping to shape better policies for better lives.
UN Data
Simple single-entry point for a variety of statistical resources including those from United Nations Organizations such as FAO, UNESCO, ILO, WHO, UNDP, ITU, UNHCR, and more.
Other Sources for U.S. Data
Alternative Sources for Archived Government Data Guide
Butler University's library has compiled a list of both alternative sources for government data as well as links to archived datasets and resources removed from government websites.
Kaiser Family Foundation
Here you will find information about policies affecting different health issues as well as statistics by state.
NIH Websites
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nationās medical research agency.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The NIMH is the largest scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health. This site includes statistics and information on specific mental health topics, as well as information on research funding and clinical trials.
National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Learn the facts about the most commonly abused drugs. Each drug page includes a brief overview, street and clinical names, the effects of the drug on the brain and body, statistics and trends, and relevant publications and articles written by NIDA researchers and scientists.
CDC Websites
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (USA Government) with a mission to maintain the health and safety of Americans.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the nationās premier system of health-related telephone surveys that collect state data about U.S. residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.
National Center for Health Statistics
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NCHS is the Federal Government's principal vital and health statistics agency. The service provides information based on collection systems such as vital statistics, health care, hospital, and health insurance data.
Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS)
Customized reports of injury-related data from the National Center of Health Statistics (NCHS) and the violent death data from NCIPC's National Violent Death Reporting System.
NCHHSTP AtlasPlus
NCHHSTP AtlasPlus is an interactive tool that gives users the ability to create customized tables, maps, and charts using nearly 20 years of CDC's surveillance data on HIV, viral hepatitis, STD, and TB.
Health & Human Services (HHS) Websites
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The HHS has information on different programs, services, laws, and policies regarding the U.S.
Office of Minority Health
Government resource for basic information about health issues of minority groups in the U.S.
Office on Women's Health
Provides state and county-level data for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories and possessions by gender, race and ethnicity from a variety of national and state sources.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Primary source of national data on the prevalence, treatment, and consequences of substance abuse.
U.S. Government Websites
U.S. Census Data
Population, housing, economic, and geographic data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau and other government agencies.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
News and reports provided by the USDA.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): Data & Surveys
This website is a source of hospital data, surveys, and tools that allow you to explore the data easily.
AHRQ Data Tools
From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Provides access to health statistics and information on hospital inpatient, medical coverage, opioid abuse, and more.
Office of Homeland Security Statistics
We publish timely and authoritative homeland security statistics. We now produce Key Homeland Security Metrics (KHSMs), in addition to our regular reports. These metrics standardize our most requested data and provide it in one place.
National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN)
From its inaugural assessment in 1977, the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN) represents the longest running survey of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. The survey examines the characteristics of registered nurses and their experiences in nursing.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health)
OSHA's mission is to assure America's workers have safe and healthful working conditions free from unlawful retaliation. OSHA carries out its mission by setting and enforcing standards; enforcing anti-retaliation provisions of the OSH Act and other federal whistleblower laws; providing and supporting training, outreach, education, and assistance; and working collaboratively with our state OSHA programs as well as ensuring that they are at least as effective as federal OSHA, furthering a national system of worker safety and health protections.
Guidelines in Databases
CINAHL
1) On top bar, click on Evidence Based Care Sheets and Quick Lessons type in the topic, condition, or procedure.
2) In Advanced Search, type the topic, then select Publication Type and select Practice Guidelines in the limiter section,
Clinical Key
Click on Guidelines menu next to the search box at the top. Search by organization name, specialty, or topic.
PubMed
1) Click onĀ Additional FiltersĀ
2) SelectĀ Practice GuidelinesĀ and it will appear underĀ Article Type.
3) Run search and click on theĀ Practice GuidelineĀ filter
DynaMedĀ or UpToDate
1) Type in condition, procedure, or etc. in the search box
2) Select one of the results
3) On the left handside under Topic OutlineĀ you will findĀ Guidelines
Ā
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Agency for Healthcare Research and QualityĀ (AHRQ): You can use this website to search forĀ comprehensive, science-based information on common or costly medical conditions and new healthcare technologies and strategies.
American College of Physicians (ACP): UsersĀ can browse for clinical guidelines and best practice adviceĀ on selected health topics.
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Infection Control Guidelines: This page informs and provides further resources on how to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
Cincinnati Children's J. M. Anderson Center for Health Systems Excellence: Here users will find a few evidence based care guidelines that were developed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and created byĀ xperts, patients and families to help pediatricians improve patient care.
CMA - Clinical Practice Guidelines: The Canadian Medical Association website has a vast list of guidelines on a variety of health topics.
Health Services/Technology Assessment Texts (HSTAT): Available through PubMed, HSTAT provides evidence reports on health services and technology assesments.Ā
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines (NCCN): The NCCN provides several guidelines organized by cancer type.
US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): Users can browse or search for specific preventative guidelines for different health issues.Ā
Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinical Practice Guidelines: The VA website has guidelines and resources to treat different health issues including chronic disease, mental health, rehabilitation and more.Ā
Nursing History Online
Francis Liberty, Army Nurse Corps:Ā Audio, video and text of interviews of Francis Liberty which chronicle her service in World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. Includes escaping from a downed helicopter (with sense of humor intact).Ā
Nurses in the U.S. Navy: Bibliography and Sources: Includes oral histories from WWII Navy nurses (nurse experience during Pearl Harbor attack, Navy hospital nurse, nurse prisoner of war, nurse serving in Philippines), historical photos and Uniform Regulation, Navy Nurse Corps, 1917.
Contagion: Historical Views of Diseases and Epidemics:Ā An online exhibit from Harvard University Libraries' Open Collections Program, it tracks several outbreaks of contagious diseases using primary documentation. Highly recommended for its historical focus.
Black Nurses in History: A Bibliography and Guide to Web Resources:Ā Originally created by Sharon Whitfield at CMSRU Library, this guide hosts a list of articles, books, and websites dedicated to prominent black nurses in history.
American Association for the History of NursingĀ (AAHN): AĀ professional organization dedicated to the importance and the understanding of the history of nursing.
Nurse Edith Cavell (1865-1915): A Norfolk Heroine:Ā A website dedicated to Nurse Edith Cavell, a British nurseĀ known for saving many lives of soldiers during World War I.
Archival Photos
At John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland a nursing student is weighing a baby in the pediatrics ward. Photo from Library of Congress.
Nursing History Books
This list was adapted fromĀ Celebrating Nursing History : What to Keep by Margaret "Peg" Allen. The list can be found at the Nursing and Allied Health Resource Section of the Medical Library Association.

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