BECOMING AN INFORMATION MASTER - A GUIDEBOOK TO THE MEDICAL INFORMATION JUNGLE

The medical information system is a ''jungle'' in which the unguided v isitor can become lost or disoriented. This paper, the second in a ser ies on becoming a medical information master, is a guidebook for trave ling through this jungle. It focuses on techniques for efficiently obt aining patient-oriented evidence that matters (POEM). From original re search to clinical experience, each source of medical information is v aluable; the trick is to learn which source is best for the specific i nformation being sought. Armed with this guide, clinicians can find th e most appropriate source of information, evaluate it quickly, and app ly it confidently in their efforts to provide the best care for their patients.