Google Scholar versus PubMed in locating primary literature to answer drug-related questions.

Background: Google Scholar linked more visitors to biomedical journal Web sites than did PubMed after the database's initial release; however, its usefulness in locating primary literature articles is unknown.

Objective: To assess in both databases the availability of primary literature target articles; total number of citations; availability of free, full-text journal articles; and number of primary literature target articles retrieved by year within the first 100 citations of the search results.

Methods: Drug information question reviews published in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy Drug Information Rounds column served as targets to determine the retrieval ability of Google Scholar and PubMed searches.

Preparing students for community pharmacy practice during a drug information advanced practice experience.

Objective: To determine whether students completing an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) at an academic-affiliated drug information center received questions similar to those received by pharmacists practicing in community settings.

Methods: Graduates of Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy residing in Southeastern states were surveyed via US mail to determine the characteristics of inquiries received from health care providers and the public in community practice. Survey results were compared to inquiries received at Samford University Global Drug Information Center (SUGDIS).

Survey of care provided by ambulatory care pharmacists to patients with chronic kidney disease.

Purpose: A survey was conducted to determine the role of ambulatory care pharmacists in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: Data from a survey of ambulatory care pharmacists in the treatment and management of patients with CKD were collected. A 22-item anonymous survey was sent to 1028 potential respondents in January 2004.

Intensive lipid-lowering therapy in patients with coronary heart disease.

Objective: To describe current data evaluating the use of intensive lipid-lowering therapy in patients with coronary heart disease.

Data Sources: A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-September 2004) was conducted using the search terms lipoproteins, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, coronary arteriosclerosis, and coronary disease to identify published trials comparing the effects of intensive and conventional lipid-lowering therapy.

Data Synthesis: Intensive lipid-lowering therapy reduces LDL-C levels significantly more than conventional treatment and appears to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients who have recently experienced acute coronary syndrome (ACS).