Firstly, we hope that you enjoyed the library practical session, here's a reminder of what we looked at in the session.
Connecting to the Drug Adverts
We started the session by navigating to the adverts that have been chosen for this module. In order to do this you will need to log into MUSE and select StarPlus - The Library Catalogue from the 'My Services' menu.
 |
| MUSE - My Services - StarPlus - MyResource Lists - MED111 |
Once you are on the StarPlus landing page, go to the box at the bottom of the page called '
Reading Lists' and follow the link for '
MyResource Lists'. In the 'Search Reading Lists' box type '
MED111' and follow the results for
'MED111 - Critical Analysis - Drug Advertisments.'
The resource list contains lists for each advert containing the advert itself and the references for each advert. Once you have chosen the advert, click the 'View web link' option to view it as a PDF.
Looking at the references in the drug advertisement
Most of the adverts have some references which support the claims made within the advert, we've added these to the reading list for you, on the list for the advert you should also see links to resources referenced.
Remember, some adverts have only have one or two references whilst others have a lot more.
A few of the adverts have a reference which is unavailable, as we have already attempted to obtain the reference for you but found it unavailable you will not be expected to read this reference.
Planning your search
Identify the concepts to search for within the advert. Look for:
- The condition (or outcome)
- The drug name (generic not brand)
You may also need to look for the way the drug is delivered, this may be the unique selling point.
Searching for background information - using the British National Formulary (BNF)
The BNF provides health care professionals with up to date information, indications, contraindications, side effects, dosage and price for a wide range of drugs. This can be accessed electronically, or in paper format at the RHH at shelfmark QV738.
 |
| Find the BNF and the Medicines Compendium in Useful Resources. |
In the session we navigated to the BNF from the resource list, but you can also access it via StarPlus - search for "British National Formulary" in the University collections tab.
We searched for the generic drug name, not the brand name.
Medicines Compendium also
provides up to date Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) and Patient Information Leaflets for different medicines, use the brand name in this website. Again you can access this from the resource list in the 'recommended reading' section.
- using StarPlus
A good place to look for information on the condition your drug is trying to treat is the Library catalogue StarPlus. Search for a general textbook to give you a broad overview. If the item you want is out on loan, place a request!
Searching for medical research - using databases
MEDLINE via OvidSP and the Cochrane Library are useful databases to look at.
MEDLINE via OvidSP is the main databases for finding medical research. Search for both your generic drug name and the condition in the basic search box and then use the additional limits to focus your search on high quality evidence such as randomised controlled trials and systematic review.
The Cochrane Library is a small medical database, but particularly useful when looking for systematic reviews (Cochrane Reviews).
The videos below give a quick demonstration of how to search for systematic reviews in the Cochrane Library, as well as randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews in MEDLINE via Ovid.
Further Resources
Health Talk provides an insight into the real life experiences of patients, this may be something to take into account when looking at the adverts. When using sources of information that use the patient perspective, look for '
The Information Standard' mark, this mark means the website has been assessed to check the information produced.
Information regarding Athens accounts can be found
here.
Further Support
