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SEARCHING FOR A PROGNOSIS QUESTION

For a quick answer to any evidence-based question, the format for a PubMed search is the same:

1) Search for the disease/condition

2) Search for the intervention (drug, surgery, diagnostic test, screening test, prognostic indicator)

3) Add the appropriate "filter" for that particular type of question.

The proper filter for a prognosis question combines the desired level of evidence and terms related to the outcome of the indicator. For a prognosis question, the highest level of evidence would be a cohort study. You can also include ANY of the terms "prognosis", "disease progression", or "morbidity" or "follow-up study" (It is not recommended that you use all of these terms in the same search.).

For example, if you wanted to search for information on the association between optic neuritis and the subsequent development of multiple sclerosis, you would take the following steps.

1) Click on the link on the left side of the screen to enter the MeSH database.

2) Enter the term "optic neuritis" in the search box. Click in the box next to the term "Optic Neuritis". From the pull-down menu labeled "Send to" select "Search Box with AND".

3) Enter the term "multiple sclerosis" in the search box. Click in the box next to the term "Multiple Sclerosis". From the pull-down menu labeled "Send to" select "Search Box with AND".

4) Enter the term "prognosis" in the search box. Click in the box next to the term "Prognosis". From the pull-down menu labeled "Send to" select "Search Box with AND".

5) Click on the grey button labeled "Search PubMed".

If you still do not find the results you're looking for, go back to step 4 and enter any of the other terms for a prognosis search.

Access PubMed

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