Background Information

Academic | Clinical Expertise

Your research, to complete academic requirements of your program or perform in the workplace, centres around:

“The integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient vales to facilitate clinical decision making.”

~ Sackett et al. 2000

This describes EIDM or (Evidence-Informed Decision Making), EBDM (Evidence-Based Decision Making), or formerly EBP (Evidence Based Practice) and involves making the best decision with all information available and all things considered.

Background Questions

With the complexity of some of the terms and concepts in Nursing, you may need some background information before you settle down for a full search. While your first instinct might be to pull up Google and search the world wide web, for academic and professional research the Library’s databases serve you better. Let’s pit the world (wide web)’s most popular search engine, Google, against the Library:

Now that you know where to start your search, you will need to sort out your information needs. The first step is to clarify any understanding of the basic concepts. You will need to understand important, background information before moving on to the search. There are certain resources better suited for this background knowledge. Solidify your understanding of some typical types of background information you might require.

If you do need background information, the Library has highlighted some sources best suited to provide. Remember, if you are in the BScN program, you have access to McMaster University’s resources as well. Its Library has a far larger budget and may have more options, especially for online access and learning. While you may be searching for specific information, below are some general, highlighted sources to give you an idea of what’s available at Mohawk and through open, curated-for-quality sources.

Terminology: Dictionary of nursing: Over 11 000 terms clearly defined (2008)

Pathology: Textbook of pathology (2015)

Health Promotion: One example of patient education sites ~ UHN’s Patient education and engagement site

Drug Information: The PA’s complete guide to prescribing drug therapy (2018)

Clinical Skills: Clinical skills for nurses: Student survival skills (2013)

Lab Values: Interpreting common lab results (2016)

Anatomy & Physiology: Comprehensive OER (open educational resource) Anatomy & Physiology