Advanced searches
Evidence-based medicine requires careful analysis of the existing medical literature to guide clinical decisions. Such analysis is of course best carried out on a personal computer with a large screen and over a comfortable length of time rather than on a handheld computer with a small screen and under time pressure.
However, accessing PubMed on handheld computer still has advantages, especially for teaching purposes. For example, consider the question of the incidence of epilepsy in the immediate aftermath of a stroke. Asking a senior might be a fast way of learning the answer, if the senior knows it, but consider how much more learning could be done if the junior also consults PubMed as part of self-directed learning.
Again, using MeSH terms is helpful (cva[mesh] epilepsy[mesh]).
PubMed search for the term "cva[mesh] epilepsy[mesh]" on a Palm-compatible handheld computer with Web Browser Pro
The next trick however is to further restrict the results to review papers. The top of the page has the option of Systematic Reviews.
Selecting the "Systematic Reviews" option on a Palm-compatible handheld computer with Web Browser Pro
This combination efficiently brings up just two papers, and judging by its title, the second one seems promising.
PubMed search results from the term "cva[mesh] epilepsy[mesh]" on a Palm-compatible handheld computer with Web Browser Pro
Indeed looking through the abstract gives the answer as 8.9%.
Abstract of second result from the term "cva[mesh] epilepsy[mesh]" on a Palm-compatible handheld computer with Web Browser Pro
Sadly the paper’s journal has restricted access, requiring a subscription. On the other hand if your library has paid for an institutional subscription, and your handheld computer is browsing through your institution’s internet connection, you will be able to read the full article.
Think of the possibilities.
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