Online searching for information on medical devices

Problems in online retrieval of information concerning medical devices are discussed, including background data regarding legislative history and terminology. An analysis of the results of searching on ten sample topics in this subject area provides a framework for approaching such problems. In addition to a consideration of recall, uniqueness, and overlap, other factors influence database selection and order of consultation. Indexing characteristics of selected health science, engineering, business, and regulatory databases play a major role in medical device information provision.