The comprehensiveness of computer-assisted searches of the medical literature

Bibliographic searches using MEDLINE, the National Library of Medicine computerized database, can usually be done in less time and with greater specificity than searches using Index Medicus. To use a computer-assisted bibliographic retrieval system to full advantage, it is necessary to understand the indexing system. The study reported here compares both the number and the relevance of references retrieved using various search terms for two clinical questions. Based on the outcomes of these searches, recommendations are made for clinicians who plan to use MEDLINE services.