Primary vs Secondary vs Tertiary Sources

• This video explains how to find primary sources for drug information, covering the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.
• It also demonstrates how to locate primary sources through database searches and how to evaluate them.

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources

• Primary sources contain original research from randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, clinical trials, case reports, patents, conference abstracts, presentations, or proceedings.
• The key characteristic of primary sources is discussing original research.
• Secondary sources can be indexing and abstracting services such as databases like PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Secondary sources also include journal articles that summarize primary sources, such as review articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other evidence summaries.
• These do not contain original research but summarize findings from primary sources.
• Tertiary sources summarize both primary and secondary sources for quick access to drug information, intended for point-of-care use.
• Examples include Micromedex, drug monographs, and clinical pharmacology databases.
• Tertiary sources answer questions about drug indications, drug interactions, dosages, and adverse effects.

Finding Primary Sources: PubMed Demo

• Access PubMed through library.health.ufl.edu under Quick Links > Databases.
• Check the abstract to determine the source type; review articles summarize major clinical trials and are secondary sources.
• PubMed tags articles as "review articles" for easy identification.
• To verify, review the methods section to confirm it involves original research rather than a summary.
• Clinical trials are primary sources, it is important to verify the methods section confirms it is original research.
• Filter articles by type such as Case Reports or Clinical Trial phases, to narrow down search.
• Always verify the methods to ensure the selected article contains original research.

Finding Secondary Sources: PubMed Demo

• PubMed contains both primary and secondary sources.
• Review the abstract to identify if the article reviews other primary sources.
• Authors often label secondary sources as "review articles".

Finding Primary Sources: Embase Demo

• Access Embase via the Health Science Center Libraries website.
• Embase allows filtering by study types such as controlled study or randomized controlled trial phase three.
• Examine the abstract to identify if it is original research or a literature review.
• If unsure, access the full text to review the introduction, materials, and methods.
• To find primary sources, select specific "Study types" such as randomized controlled trials.
• Always double-check the abstract and methods.

Finding Secondary Sources: Embase Demo

• Filter by Publication Types and narrow down to Review.
• Check the abstract for indications of literature reviews, efficacy, and safety.
• Verify the methods section to confirm it is a review of existing literature.

Conclusion: Key Steps

• Primary sources discuss original research. Look for article types like clinical trials and randomized controlled trials.
• Secondary sources summarize primary and secondary sources. They identify as review articles and describe literature searches.
• Locate articles using Article Type or Publication Type filters to narrow the search to original research studies.
• Always check the methods section to confirm if the authors conducted original research, to avoid mistaking a review article for a primary source.