At a recent family practice CME course, I was asked what resources I recommend to stay current with the medical literature. Of course, I suggested The journal of family practice. But to answer this question more thoroughly, I kept track of the resources I used during 2 weeks of precepting and patient care.
I’d be remiss not to begin with JFP’s POEMs, Clinical Inquiries, and Applied Evidence articles. These evidence-based assessments are well-researched and current. I clip these items for reference and try to introduce something I have learned each day I precept. In particular, Clinical Inquiries provide useful answers to clinically relevant questions. In the September JFP, Bernard Ewigman and his colleagues from the Family Practice Inquiries Network (FPIN) will launch a 4-part series that tells the story behind FPIN’s mission and the creation of Clinical Inquiries—from the information needs of practicing doctors to the search of evidence databases to the interpretation of evidence and writing the answers.
I use Cochrane abstracts regularly for my lectures and teaching (www.cochrane.org). Many large medical libraries have full access to this resource, but I find the abstracts are useful reviews in themselves. I often refer to Cochrane for evidence on controversial topics.
A favorite quick reference is Up to Date (www.uptodate.com). While expensive and not as explicitly evidence-based as Cochrane, this service offers answers to most of my “internal medicine” questions. I use Epocrates for quick info about drugs (www.epocrates.com). For more insightful reviews, though, I turn to Prescribers Letter (www.prescribersletter.com). This resource is quite helpful for in-depth evaluations, allowing me to understand the evidence behind each recommendation.
I search the CDC (www.cdc.gov) and American Academy of Pediatrics (www.aap.org) sites regularly for answers about infectious diseases, immunizations, and public health matters. Whether reviewing 2-step tuberculosis screening or catchup Prevnar vaccination, these sites are handy.
Space doesn’t allow me to share more of my resources—and I certainly don’t propose that the ones I’ve mentioned are the best, most up to date, or useful. In fact, in reviewing this list, I realize I have omitted several gems. So, why not send me your favorite resources, at jfp@fammed.uc.edu. Even books are allowed. I’ll share your picks with our colleagues.
