practice information sheets,
Comment1
My personal preference for scholarly databases, of those listed by GCU, is the CINAHL Complete. It is described as “the definitive research tool for nursing and allied health professionals with access to the top nursing and allied health journals” (Grand Canyon University, n.d., para 1). I have found that using the CINAHL database has provided me with the most comprehensive articles and information throughout the duration of my career as a nurse. I also tend to utilize the Joanna Briggs Institute EBP alongside the CINAHL database. The Briggs database “is a recognized global leader in evidence-based healthcare resources…[including] evidence summaries, evidence based recommended practices, best practice information sheets, etc…” (Grand Canyon University, n.d., para 3).
These databases, and those listed in the GCU Library are far superior to using Google Scholar or a general internet search. The databases listed above are first and foremost, medical specific. The information obtained in a search on either database will reveal only articles and information related in a medical aspect. Secondly, the use of traditional search engines, like Google Scholar, does not allow for the user to apply as detailed specificity to the search as could be in a database search. This in turn results in a “grab bag” of results that make it difficult to determine what is accurate information and what is not (LibGuides, 2018, para 5). Lastly, the use of databases remains consistent; meaning that standard web searches and results found on those websites can change without notice. This leaves room for error and for a loss of content to occur; you may not see the same information twice with a Google Scholar search (LibGuides, 2018, para 6)
