This framework provides guidance for finding the right information resources by first categorizing the type of question, whether it is about basic science, clinical background, or a common or rare clinical issue. It then directs the user to different resources depending on the question, with basic science questions going to detailed literature searches and textbooks, while common clinical questions can be answered through point of care resources and apps. The goal is to match the right resource to the question in order to most efficiently find the needed information.

1. Finding Information Framework
What type of question
do you have?
Background Foreground
Basic Science Clinical Clinical
Rare/Academic
Interest
Common
Point of Care
(Focus on Patient
Oriented Outcomes)
Rare/Academic
Interest
(Try Point of Care
Resources First)
Resources/Services
Basic Science
Detailed
Clinical Background Literature Search Point of Care Resources/
Government/Services
This framework will
guide you to:
1. Categorize your
questions
2. Understand types of
information resources
3. Match the right
resource to your
questions
• Syllabi
• Textbooks
• PubMed
• Dynamed
• Textbooks
• Laboratory/Testing
• PubMed
• Clinical Queries
(PubMed)
• Scopus
• Dynamed
•
•
ePSS (USPSTF)
• Lexi-Comp
• Cochrane
• TRIP database
• Other Point of Care
Resources
• More Clinical Apps
• CDC
• Department of Public
Health
• Community Agencies/
Resources
A project of the BUSM EBM Vertical Integration Group
Once you figure out what type of question you have, go to the appropriate resource below:
Information Resources • medlib.bu.edu/busm/fif • Questions?
http://guides.lib.jmu.edu/occupational_therapy schubecf@jmu.edu
Adapted from