Searches online evidence-based references, including grey literature. Retrieval is categorized by level on the evidence pyramid. Premium version includes additional systematic reviews and is available for a fee.
SUMSearch2 Searches original studies, systematic reviews, and practice guidelines. Article quality and summaries are included.
Epistemonikos
Multi-language search engine searches specifically for broad syntheses, systematic reviews, and structured summaries. Also includes primary studies from multiple research databases.
Research Databases
MEDLINE
Database of biomedical references produced by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). There are three interfaces available to search MEDLINE:
CINAHL
CINAHL contains articles from Nursing and Allied Health journals. Fee for this database; free access for PHSA staff from the Electronic Health Library of BC (e-HLbc)
PsycINFO
PsycINFO contains abstracts of research articles maintained by the American Psychological Association (APA). Fee-based; PHSA staff can access through the Electronic Library of BC (e-HLbc)
The Cochrane Library
The Cochrane Library is a collection of systematic reviews regarded as “gold standard” for reviews of research in primary health care and policy. Search interface is free; full-text articles for a fee.
Rehabilitation-specific Databases
McMaster RehabPlus
RehabPlus (Rehab +) is database of pre-appraised literature created by and for rehabilitation professionals.
NARIC - REHABDATA Database
The National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) database has contents in rehabilitation, including reports from the Nat’l Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation, articles from rehab related journals and books.
OT Seeker contains critically appraised abstracts of systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials relevant to occupational therapy.
PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) provides clinicians with critically appraised abstracts of systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials relevant to physiotherapy.
PsycBITE (Psychological Database for Brain Impairment Treatment Efficacy). A database for treatment of psychological impairment in acquired brain injury. Contains systematic reviews and relevant studies, many of which are rated for methodological quality.
SpeechBITE (Speech Pathology Database for Best Interventions and Treatment Efficacy). A database of intervention studies across the scope of speech pathology practice.
Other Online Tools
National Library of Medicine Search Gateway
Searches across multiple NLM resources including audio, video, full text and images.
MedlinePlus
Created for patients and families, this version of MEDLINE contains information about diseases, conditions, and wellness in plain language.
Cochrane Evidence-based Resources
Overview of important print and online resources for evidence-based health care and medicine.
(RDRB) Research and Development Resource Base University of Toronto
The literature in this database focuses on continuing education and knowledge translation for practitioners in medicine, nursing and allied health fields.
JANE - Journal Author Name Estimator
This multi-faceted, Web-based tool can help you select journals to submit an article for publication. The title and abstract of your article is entered into the search box, and the database retrieves journals that best fit your topic. You can also use JANE to search for relevant articles by switching the search screen to its "keyword" function. This useful tool will help you sort through the vast amount of publications in order to find the most relevant places to publish, and also to search for articles on your topic.
Clinical Trials.gov
Information on clinical studies on a wide range of diseases and conditions is provided and updated by the sponsor or principal investigator of the clinical study.