Research Guides: Medical Informatics: Getting Started

Getting Started

Researching a topic is a process, check out the links below to help you get started, find information and how to stay current on a topic

Research Planning
Before you begin a research project, it is best to think about what you want to know and what words to use in a search. This page will help you select the correct Mesh terms for a research project.
Books
If you need a large amount of information about a topic, check out the libraries catalog to see if we have anything that would be of use.
Databases
If you need information on a fairly specific topic, your best bet is a database or journal.
Journals
If you need information on a fairly specific topic, your best bet is a database or journal.
Staying up to date
Information in the medical profession is ever changing. You need to stay current on many topics in order to succeed

To Wikipedia or not to Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a great way to start off your research, but it is a horrible place to end at.

An article on Wikipedia can:

provide a little backgropund information on a topic
help you find keywords to use in the library
show you links to other sources of information on the topic

But always apply the CRAAP test to any information you find on Wikipedia and make sure to verify the information with trusted resource, like a book or a journal article

Evaluating Information

The Internet has good stuff, but it is also full of unreliable information. Before you use a website for research, be sure it is:

Currency - Is the information up to date?
Relevance - Does the information meet your need?
Authority - Is the source trustworthy?
Accuracy - Is the information correct?
Purpose - Why was the website created? Is there a bias?

For more information on evaluating information, Evaluating Information - Thinking Critically CRAAP Test from Ron E. Lewis Library Lamar State College.