How to Research Medical Information
Basic Resources
Begin at the local library. Whether the library is large or small, located in a large city or a rural region, most libraries have medical reference books. Some remain on the shelves for reference while others may circulate. Look for medical dictionaries, medical encyclopedia, drug reference books, nursing texts, and directories of doctors that list each one’s specialty. Medical and nursing textbooks are sometimes available.
Reference recent magazine articles by using a publication called The Reader’s Guide To Periodical Literature. Published often, this guide indexes recent articles by subject and list where each article appeared. Another source to search newspapers and publications is Infotrac, a CD ROM based index. Another is MEDLINE. Ask a librarian for assistance in searching back issues. If the library doesn’t subscribe to a publication that featured an article you want to read, ask about interlibrary loan, a program that allows patrons to borrow materials from other libraries across the nation. There may be fee for this service but cost is normally reasonable.
Use the library’s card catalogue system to search for books that deal with your particular condition or ailment. Most card catalogues are computerized but are simple to use. Many can even be accessed from home via a local library’s website so you can determine what books are available before your visit to the library. You may even be able to put books on hold. You may be surprised at the range of books available on most library shelves and how easy it may be to find a book dealing with your individual health issue.
If you locate a book that you find useful, jot down the title and see if you can find a copy at a bookstore or online. Most major bookstores including chains such as B.Dalton, Hastings, and Books-A-Million have large medical sections. Online, Amazon.com stocks many books on a variety of subjects. Once you have a particular title in mind, it may also be possible to find the book at a bargain price on Ebay.
Another resource that can provide a large amount of accurate information is the United States Government. Our government provides information through many information centers. Available services range from free or low cost publications, referrals, and answers to your questions. A free list of information centers and public clearinghouses can be found online at www.health.gov/nhic or by calling 1-800-336-4797.
Other public agencies that offer information about medical conditions include associations and voluntary organizations devoted to a particular disease or area. Many home medical guides include The Merck Manuel of Medical Information and the American Medical Association Complete Medical Encyclopedia have listings. These books are available at most libraries or area book dealers. Such foundations include The American Skin Association, National Headache Foundation, National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House, and the National Lung Association. All are more than willing to provide information and in some cases services to the public.
Increasing numbers of libraries have videos available to checkout and many are documentaries that may include information about various health issues. Check with the librarian to see if any videos are available that addresses your condition or illness.
Once you have exhausted the resources available at the public library, find a medical library in the area. Medical libraries are specialized collections of books, documents, and other literature relating to the field of medicine. Medical libraries are found in hospitals, large medical centers, medical and nursing schools, and at some universities. Some are open to the public but others are not. Check first with the local librarian or the facility. Or, call the National Institute of Health at 1-800-338-7657 to find the nearest medical library open to the public near you.
One additional option available in some areas is as close as your local phone directory. In some major cities, medical centers or hospitals sponsor a telephone service that is toll-free. Check the directory for listings of a service that allows you to phone in and listen to recorded messages on health topics. Or, ask your doctor if such a service is available in your area.
High Tech Options For Research
After you’ve studied countless books, magazine articles, and newspaper stories, it’s time to step up your research into the 21st century. The Internet or World Wide Web offers a multitude of information on medical issues. Using the Internet is very simple today. If you already own a computer, then your search can begin in the comfort of your own home. If you haven’t yet made the leap to computers, you’ll find that libraries offer computers with Internet service for patrons to use free of charge. For patrons who know little to nothing about surfing the ‘Net, many libraries even offer free classes. Once you’re online, you can begin to explore the many sources available to you.
Begin your search with any of the popular search engines such as Google. There are many other search engines so find the one that works best for you. Search engine options are numerous and include Ask Jeeves, MSN Search, Yahoo Search, Dogpile, Netscape, Mamma, and others.
Popular sites with confirmed and documented information include The National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine and Healthfinder, part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Many hospitals and medical centers have websites with information. So do many individual physicians or physicians groups. There are large numbers of sites hosted by official groups such as the National Kidney Foundation. Private sites with information are also available. Support groups and forums for sufferers of the same conditions are also common on the Internet.
Remember that you may see conflicted information and not to accept every word you read as truth. Some sites – such as those hosted by the government or backed by a reputable organization like the American Medical Association (AMA) offer valid material. On other sites, look for information that can be verified or articles that list health professionals as sources. Compare several articles to see if the information is the same within each. Look up credentials using the AMA’s website and verify any information you don’t feel certain of with your doctor.
When utilizing forums, chat rooms, or groups created for patients of a particular disorder, use caution and common sense. Never try a treatment or change of care suggested by someone unknown on the Internet, unless you clear it with your doctor first. If it helps to share daily struggles, triumphs, or improvement with others, then enjoy the interaction but keep in mind that the participants are not health professionals any more than you are.
Once you’ve done your research and gathered information, put it together. Read and understand what you have collected and refer any questions to your doctor or another health care professional. Never try to self-diagnose and when you feel in need of care, find it from an actual health facility, not a virtual one.
Information can be a key in understanding, coping with, and living with a condition or illness. Use the resources available to you and let knowledge give you power.
