Module 2 - Question #3

In comparing the results of my searches, I found the PubMed search provided medical articles that were most useful in meeting my requested search. The National Guideline Clearinghouse provided the recommended adult immunization schedule, reviewed the patients at high risk of developing severe pneumonia, and provided a link to the CDC guidelines. This is valuable baseline information for why we should administer the vaccine, but it doesn’t address “how” to implement a successful program. The Google search was the least helpful even though it also includes an advance search option. This is because it isn’t specific to medical information retrieval, so it pulled from everywhere – news articles, definitions, pharmaceutical companies, drug websites, etc. An alternate strategy for retrieving relevant information could include delegating the search to an expert – like the Medical Librarian!
The assigned articles, Bakken, S. et al (2004) and Maviglia, S. et al (2006) mention improving information access through context-specific search strategies. Although the application of “infobuttons” sounds like it would help in developing the ideal approach for a successful vaccine program and facilitate best practice, I don’t see this technology helping to retrieve the collective data I’m searching.