Strategies for Searching the Internet for Orthopedic Surgeons: Tips and Tricks

Abstract

Internet provides access to large amounts of information quickly, provides a flexible learning platform, and is easily accessible from anywhere, especially with new technologies. Web-based search engines and bibliographic databases, have already become part of a doctor's everyday life. However, even well-published researchers often fail to appreciate the background knowledge required to conduct a good literature search on the internet. Using the right techniques can improve the ability to search for relevant information This chapter briefly outlines the internet for information resources such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane for orthopedic surgeons. Also the subsequent sections of the chapter offers combining search engines tips and tricks for a best search that orthopedic surgeons can use to improve their use of web-based information and learning resources. Introduction The impact of the internet on orthopedics and traumatology has been revolutionary. Compared with traditional education instruments, the Internet offers numerous advantages. It provides access to large amounts of information quickly, provides a flexible learning platform, and is easily accessible from anywhere, especially with new technologies. Furthermore, instruction is enhanced with audiovisual material and easily updated and modified to suit changing learning needs. Web-based search engines and bibliographic databases, such as Google, Google Scholar and PubMed, have already become part of a doctor's everyday life. However, many doctors do not know the best ways to maximize their efficacy, and some doctors are still not using them at all. Sinkov et al. reported that a majority of orthopedic surgeons (79%) use the internet for at least some of their continuing learning(Sinkov et al. 2004), but the study also reported that attending orthopedic surgeons do not use the internet as often as orthopedic residents do, suggesting a learning gap. Surprisingly even well-published researchers often fail to appreciate the background knowledge required to conduct a good literature search on the internet. Using the right techniques can improve the ability to search for relevant information; without them, however, internet literature searches can become time-consuming and even misleading. A study that examined how using PubMed and Google contributed to physicians’ diagnostic skill showed that some physicians actually made the correct diagnosis earlier in the investigation and then incorrectly changed their diagnoses after conducting an internet search about their decision.(Falagas et al. 2009) (Fig.1) This chapter briefly outlines the internet as an information resource for orthopedic surgeons and offers some simple techniques that orthopedic surgeons can use to improve their use of webbased information and learning resources. Databases & search engines Electronic databases provide an index of multiple journals, and include citations, abstracts, and sometimes a link to the full text. They are updated with newly published articles. Many are useful in the practice of orthopedic surgery. For instance, they can help surgeons keep track of new findings in the field or search for specific information on specific techniques or outcomes. The databases can be classified based on their field (medicine, nursing, etc.) and can be searched via specialized search engines (Table 1). Pubmed (National Library of Medicine Database) The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) developed PubMed as part of the Entrez retrieval system.(National Center for Biotechnology Information) At time of publication, PubMed provides access to approximately 23 million citations. This includes the content in the NLM’s database of biomedical journals listed in MEDLINE, life science journals, and relevant online books. Most material includes indexed citations and abstracts, with some full-text available. Pubmed is updated Tuesday through Saturday and is freely available to anyone with an internet connection. Academic institutions can link their electronic subscriptions to PubMed offering their users enhanced access to full-text articles. Pubmed provides a free NCBI account, “My NCBI” allows users to store keyword and MESH searches. When new results match the keyword and/or MESH search specifications, users are emailed automatically. Researchers can specific how often they wish to receive search alerts. (Fig.2)