not necessarily be next to one another. When using this technique, it is best to
check the help section for instructions.Best Sources for EBP
Both print and electronic resources contain useful information to answer
EBP questions. Many useful encyclopedias, handbooks, guides, and care plan
manuals are available in print-only format. Asking a librarian for details on
the collection can provide valuable insight. Electronic sources offer a mix of
scholarly, trade, and popular works. Professional journals, popular magazines,
newspapers, and industry bulletins may all be part of the search results.
The three most commonly found general databases are Academic Search
Complete, Expanded Academic ASAP, and LexisNexis Academic. The first
two databases contain very similar content and have a higher percentage of
scholarly work than does LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis Academic is all full
content and offers a wider range of news, business, and legal sources than do
the other two databases. In subject-specific databases, scholarly literature of
professions and disciplines is indexed. Table 4-1 provides categorization and
general information about subject-specific databases that are extremely useful
when creating EBP. The URL is provided for access to additional information,
but if the database is proprietary, it does not provide access to the content. Ac-
cess may be available through local libraries or places of employment.
After evidence has been gathered, materials must be appraised for their integ-
rity and applicability. Sources chosen by your library, a respected professional
organization, or a reputable government agency have already been through an
evaluation process. Most individuals struggle with evaluating other Internet
sources. A couple of general guidelines can serve you well:
» If you have any doubts at all about the information, do not use it. Or,
minimally, verify it elsewhere in a reputable source.
» Ask your nursing faculty or librarian for insight on the situation. Chances
are your discussion can clarify your concerns, and as often happens in a
discussion of this type, your decision will become apparent.
Librarians create guides to assist users in accessing locally available subscription
resources as well as critically evaluated open Internet resources. For example,
a categorized listing of recommended sites for other guidelines, systematic
reviews, clinical trials, and “free” EBP resources is available through Valparaiso
University (http://libguides.valpo.edu/content.php?pid=42078&sid=337662).
Box 4-1 provides recommendations of other EBP sources.
Many guides and resources that help evaluate Internet materials are available
in local libraries. Evaluating sources is not as simple as just using a checklist.
As noted previously in this chapter, Gilmour and colleagues (2008) stressed116 CHAPTER 4 Finding Sources of Evidence