In-Depth Database Tutorial: PubMed

Hypothetical scenario: "KR is a 56 y/o female with a history of Myocardial Infarction (MI) who is on Atorvastatin 80 mg daily presents to your clinic. She expresses concern over an internet article she saw that stated statins can cause memory loss. She is concerned that she may be experiencing this effect and wants to stop her statin. She does not need an immediate answer."

The first objective is to locate existing literature using EBM/EBP searching methods to assess the existing research and make an evidence-based decision. A second objective is to determine whether or not this topic could serve as a research project. Searching according to the following steps will ensure both of these objectives are met.

• Steps #2-4 explain how to run a comprehensive search on Atorvastatin.

• Step #5 explains how to run comprehensive searches for "memory loss" and females. Please note that to save space, the searches for these two concepts are not detailed as extensively as Atorvastatin. Instead, users of this tutorial can accomplish searches for both concepts on their own by following steps #2-4, only with "memory loss" and females in the place of Atorvastatin.

• Step #6 explains how to combine Atorvastatin with separate searches for "memory loss" and females. 

• Steps #7 & #8 explain how to apply filters (also known as limits), access full-text at UD, and export results.