Research Guides: OT 653: Using the Literature for Evidence-Based Practice: Welcome

Overview of Guide Contents

Welcome to the Lister Hill Library research guide for students enrolled in OT 653. This page contains resources that will help you gather sources for your CAT assignment. The tabs above will take you to tutorials and tips on key databases for this course:

Cochrane Library

PubMed

CINAHL

Scopus

Be sure to check out the tabs with Search Tips, information on accessing Full Text & Off-Campus Access, and APA formatting help, too. You may also want to take a look at LHL's complete list of OT-related databases.

Handout

Database Options for OT 653
Handout with checklist of features to review as you explore the databases
PowerPoint
PICO Worksheet

Liaison to the School of Health Professions

Need some help? Stop by to see Megan Bell, the SHP Liaison Librarian at Lister Hill Library, email her mmbell@uab.edu, or call her (205) 934-2230.

If Megan is not available, use the Chat with a Librarian service.

Becoming an Efficient Searcher

Be patient; it takes a lot of time and practice. Becoming an effective and efficient searcher does not happen overnight. Try not to get discouraged as you begin searching. You will get better and faster the more you search.
Search regularly to stay on top of database changes and to retain your search skills. Keep in mind that information resources and how you access information will change during your career. While it's very important to learn the resources within this guide and how to search them, realize that other resources will come along and/or the interfaces to these databases will change. The last thing you want is to be in a clinical situation with a need to find information only to discover that PubMed doesn't look anything like it used to!
Scope out what resources are available to you at your place of employment or internship. Are you in a hospital with a library? What journals/databases do you have access to?