Clinical problem solving by computer

Abstract

Computer access to the medical literature has become more convenient than ever with MEDLINE and other bibliographical databases available on CD-ROM. The benefits of literature searching by computer include improvements in the quality of medical decision making and cost effectiveness of patient care. However, the results obtained by physicians with amateur searching skills are often inferior to those obtained through the traditional service mediated by a skilled librarian. To ensure that future physicians develop the skills necessary for effective use of the medical literature, it is essential to provide training in literature searching by computer at medical school.