This document provides information and guidance on conducting research for polysomnography. It discusses the differences between library databases and websites on the internet, and emphasizes that library databases contain peer-reviewed articles while websites can contain unreliable information. It also outlines the CRAP test for evaluating websites. Search techniques for library databases like PubMed and DynaMed are described. Finally, it provides tips for reviewing research articles and assistance available from the library.

1. POLYSOMNOGRAPHY

2. Where do you
find research?
 Subject Guides: Polysomnography
 http://hvcc.libguides.com/polysomnography

3. The Web vs. Library Databases
What’s the difference?
 Library pays for
access to information
 Articles have already
been printed in a
magazine or journal
or newspaper
 In order to be
published, articles
went through a
review process.
 Pass review process
= published =
Reliable
 Articles you find
online are
sometimes free /
available through a
subscription that
the library paid for
 Anyone can publish
a website
 No review process
 Need use your
critical thinking
skills!
Library Databases The Web

4. Website Evaluation Criteria
 Use the CRAP test –
 South Mountain Community College website
evaluation
 C = Currency
 R = Reliability
 A = Authority
 P = Purpose / Point of View

5. Criteria for Website Evaluation:
CRAP Test
• Last updated?
• Easy to find –
usually at the
bottom of the page
or on the first page
• Copyright date –
2015 – health
information – need
recent
• Is the content fact
or opinion?
• Does it match
other information
you have found?
• Is there bias?
C = Currency R = Reliability

6. Criteria for Website Evaluation:
CRAP Test
• Is there an about or
home page which
would identify the
author?
• If the author is
identified, is the
author reliable? Is
this person expert in
the field, not just an
enthusiast or a really
big fan?
• Is there contact
information?
• Are you being sold
something? Are there a
lot of ads that are not
labeled?
• What age range is the
website developed for?
Does it have a lot of
graphics or large print?
Is it professional
looking?
• Is it easy to navigate?
• What is the domain?
(.com, .org, .edu …)
A = Authority P = Purpose / Point of View

7. Pap Mask Project
 Mask name and manufacturer
 Website
 Type of Mask
 Website; Book
 Pros and Cons of the mask
 DynaMed – general
 PubMed - Specific
 Common issues encountered
 DynaMed – general
 PubMed - Specific
 Sizing and fitting of mask
 Book; website

8. Pap Mask Project
 Mask care
 Website; book
 Acceptable mask leak rates
 DynaMed – general; Book
 PubMed – specific masks and leak rates
 Contraindictations
 DynaMed – general
 PubMed – specific masks
 Patient population for mask
 Book
 Other
 Example
 Fisher & Paykel FlexiFit 431 Full Face CPAP Mask and
Headgear

9. Search Words
 What do you think?

10. Suggested Search Words
 Pap mask or Positive pressure ventilation
 CPAP or Continuous positive pressure
ventilation
 NCPAP or Nasal continuous positive pressure
ventilation
 Name of mask
 Name of manufacturer AND mask name
 Pap mask AND contraindication OR fit OR
leaks
 Mask OR Device OR face mask OR design
 Plastic OR Cloth

11. DYNAMED
 DynaMed –
 Evidence-based
 Clear, synthesized summaries of health topics
 DynaMed Focus - Newsletter
 App for mobile access
 Clinical rotations at Albany Medical Center – will
become familiar with this database
 Offer HVCC students remote access

12. Searching

13. Medline with Full-Text
 Select to search the MeSH; add terms as
necessary
 Can add more than one search term in MeSH
 Subheadings are easy to use here
 Can search using field searching; different
results and the MeSH may not be used
 Full-text where available
 PMID #

14. PUBMED
 Located at www.pubmed.gov
 Use the basic search screen
 Search details shows MESH and what
you are searching
 Limits – advanced search
 Full-text
 Free
 PMID #
 Citing – PMID #

15. Vancouver Referencing
 On the Polysomnography Guide:
http://hvcc.libguides.com/polysomnography/vanco
uver
 Vancouver Tab

16. Vocabulary
 Use the MeSH (Medical Subject Headings)
 The word you might use for something may not
be the same word that is used in the database
 PMID
 PubMed ID

17. iPad - Apps

18. Reviewing Articles
 Relevancy: Does it answer your question?
What does the abstract say?
 You may not understand the whole article, but you
will be able to get some information out of the full-
text
 Scientific Article
 Evidence: What type of evidence is it? RCT,
Case study, physician knowledge (editorial)
 Full-text

19. FULL-TEXT …
 HTML full-text
 This is just the text, no graphs, pictures, etc.
 It’s a little harder to read
 PDF full-text
 This is the best copy
 Looks exactly like the journal page
 Check here for full-text
 May or may not own it
 May link to a journal that we own OR
 May have to interlibrary the article
 PMID Number
 Works the same way in PubMed
 Type in number and you’ll see if it’s available full-text and you can get a
Vancouver citation

20. Interlibrary Loan …
 A library service
 Register
 Receive books and journal articles that we do
not own
 Articles will come to your HVCC email account
 Books will arrive at the HVCC library and are
picked up at the circulation desk
 Interlibrary Loan does take some time … plan
ahead if you would like to use it

21. Searching for BOOKS …
 Library Catalog -
http://www.hvcc.edu/lrc/index.html
 Select the tab that says books
 Searches books in the HVCC library
 World Cat Online Catalog -
http://hvcc.worldcat.org/advancedsearch/
 Searches college and university libraries
throughout the US and internationally

22. Getting Help
 Contact info:
 Librarian
 Cynthia Koman
 c.koman@hvcc.edu or 629-7360