Information sources for pharmacy practice researchers

Abstract

The access to relevant and updated information is important to researchers and healthcare professionals to acquire knowledge and to inform, underpin, or shape scientific research. Information is available in different forms, being usually classified accordingly to their format, originality of data, and periodicity of publication (i.e., primary, secondary, and tertiary sources). Given the heterogeneity of pharmacy practice, a stepwise approach moving through tertiary, then secondary, and finally primary literature is useful to find information. After retrieving information, pharmacy practice researchers should have the ability to critically evaluate and use evidence with responsibility. This includes knowing the main tools developed to evaluate the methodological quality and report of evidence. Researchers should be able to properly select a journal for publication and understand the publication process. Thus, the aim of this chapter is to provide a broader overview of information resources in pharmacy practice research.