Spinal palpation: the challenges of information retrieval using available databases☆
Received 2 May 2002; received in revised form 11 June 2002
Abstract
Purpose
This study addressed 2 questions: first, what is the yield of PubMed MEDLINE for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) studies compared to other databases; second, what is an effective search strategy to answer a sample research question on spinal palpation?
Methods
We formulated the following research question: “What is the reliability of spinal palpation procedures?” We identified specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and key terms as used in osteopathic medicine, allopathic medicine, chiropractic, and physical therapy. Using PubMed, we formulated an initial search template and applied it to 12 additional selected databases. Subsequently, we applied the inclusion criteria and evaluated the yield in terms of precision and sensitivity in identifying relevant studies.
Results
The online search result of the 13 databases identified 1189 citations potentially addressing the research question. After excluding overlapping and nonpertinent citations and those not meeting the inclusion criteria, 49 citations remained. PubMed yielded 19, while MANTIS (Manual Alternative and Natural Therapy Index System), a manual therapy database, yielded 35 citations. Twenty-six of the 49 online citations were repeatedly indexed in 3 or more databases. Content experts and selective manual searches identified 11 additional studies. In all, we identified 60 studies that addressed the research question. The cost of the databases used for conducting this search ranged from free-of-charge to $43,000 per year for a single network subscription.
Conclusions
Commonly used databases often do not provide accurate indexing or coverage of CAM publications. Subject-specific specialized databases are recommended. Access, cost, and ease of using specialized databases are limiting factors.
aSusan Samueli Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, University of California Irvine, College of Medicine, Irvine, Calif, USA
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☆ This project was supported in part by the University of California Irvine (UCI) College of Medicine 41st Trust; The Susan Samueli Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at UCI; The Center for Statistical Consulting, UCI; Western University—College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific; and the Southern California University of Health Sciences.
ABSTRACT