REPORT OCTOBER 2016

1. This is another resource which gives information
professionals a chance to work beyond their field of expertise
through running searches for clinical information. By
opening an account, you join a community of physicians,
researchers and students from all over the world.
2. UpToDate is a very good resource, however it is very
expensive.
3. For searches in languages other than English, is the
material in the language used or is it in English? Any
materials published in English and not translated into any
other language will be found in only English regardless of the
search language used.
4. Is there a trial period for subscribers? As long as one
pays, they will have access to the database. First time
applicants can request for a trial period which is included in
the option for access of 3 – 6 months.
5. Can it be subscribed to by individuals or only
institutions? It is fee based for either individuals or
institutions.
GHDOnline provides free access to public funded institutions
not private institutions which are likely to make users pay
for the service.
6. What happens to student access after the five years
elapse? It is meant to support them during their study years
and hence their student access is limited to only 5 years.
This project provides free access to the students subject to
their annual evaluation of use.
7. What are the software requirements to run UpToDate?
Once you have subscribed, you can access it online without
downloading any software.
8. Is the free version for developing countries still
available? Wolters Kluwer provided access only to African
countries.
9. Does it allow for one to search for a string of multiple
diseases? For example, if a patient has hypertension,
malaria and bilharzia? Searches can be carried out for
diseases that are related and allows for use of “and” in the
searches.
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