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| Feature | Ovid Medline | PubMed |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Penn only | Free to the world, PubMedPlus limited to Penn only |
| Update Frequency | daily file; weekly file | daily |
| Subject Searching | Maps search terms to MeSH. Extremely easy to find and search using a Medical Subject Heading |
Algorithm includes MeSH and textword searching. More difficult to look for a Medical Subject Heading |
| Focus, Explode, Subheading | Easy, All options display when executing a single topic search |
Must use MeSH Database search feature |
| Combine Search Statements | Yes, refer to set numbers |
Yes, using History tab and then refer to set numbers |
| Email Results | Yes | Yes |
| Save Search Strategies | Yes, requires setting up individual account |
Yes, requires setting up individual account using MyNCBI |
| Send to EndNote/RefWorks | Yes, Direct Export | Yes, Download then Import |
| Limits | Yes, same as Pubmed | Yes, same as OVID Medline |
| Truncation Symbol | $ | * |
| Access Full-text | Use PennText Link | PubMed Plus users should use PennText Link |
When Should I Use OVID Medline?
- Use OVID Medline when you need to do a comprehensive search. The OVID system will suggest additional terms that you can include in your search query.
- Use OVID Medline when you need to do a targeted search. The OVID system suggests and allows you to select more specific Medical Subject Headings and Subheading that can greatly improve specificity.
When Should I Use PubMed Plus?
- Use PubMed if you need to run a quick search. PubMed immediately responds with results (some relevant, some not).
- Use PubMed when you have having trouble finding enough articles. PubMed's "related articles" feature can help improve your results.
- PubMed is also the best resource if you know the article that you need. Use the "Single Citation Matcher" to find a known article.
- Because you will unlikely have access to OVID Medline once you leave Penn, it's important to get comfortable with the PubMed system.
What Other Resources Should I Consider Using?
- The Cochrane Library provides access to "high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making."
- Embase, similar to MEDLINE/PubMed, is produced in Europe. This database is especially strong in Drug Research occurring in other parts of the world.
tagged ovidmedline_vs_pubmed
by campbell
...on 17-DEC-07