CMA ready to launch one-of-a-kind source of CPG info

Becky Skidmore

The CMA is gearing up to launch its improved CPG Infobase (www.cma.ca/cpgs), the country's largest database of Canadian clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Recent data indicate that the CPG Infobase, created in 1996, is the second most popular public resource on CMA Online, trailing only CMAJ. Figure 1

Figure 1.

CPGs are designed to help physicians and patients make complex health care decisions. Using a menu-driven interface, the CPG Infobase provides free access to the full texts or structured abstracts of more than 650 current Canadian CPGs. When available, related publications, such as patient material and quick reference guides, are also provided. These CPGs represent a subset of more than 2000 CPGs listed in a rich internal database.

The new CPG Infobase will offer direct searching of the internal database via a newly developed search engine. A CMA project team began working last summer to create a workable interface. Potential users were also involved throughout the process. In January, 11 participants, including 5 physicians, "test drove" the prototype and provided valuable feedback. This same group, plus several new volunteers, will participate in beta testing of the "live" database before it is formally launched this fall.

The new search engine will include both quick and advanced user interfaces, with searching by keyword or phrase as well as coded fields, such as Medical Subject Headings or gender. An expert, command-driven interface is also under consideration. Users will be able to display, print or save search results in a variety of formats, and to save their search strategy for future use. Useful resources from the original Infobase will continue to be available, including a list of recent full-text additions and links to guidelines on featured health topics.

With the introduction of the new interface, the CPG Infobase will become the only comprehensive source for information on and access to current Canadian CPGs. It will be demonstrated at several physician conferences this year.-Becky Skidmore, CPG Database Manager, CMA