Databases
View online medical databases
(RSM Members only. Not available for Library members.)
In addition to our mediated literature searches, we can train you to get the best from our resources. We offer free personalised Library inductions and one-to-one database tutorials to members.
Alternatively, book a place on one of our free information skills training workshops.
Databases available in the Library and remotely via the Members' only section of the website
Medline - 1950 to date
Covers the world's leading journal literature on medical, healthcare, nursing, dental and veterinary topics. Updated daily.
Embase - 1974 to date
Covers biomedical literature worldwide, but concentrates on European sources and emphasises the pharmacological effects of drugs. Includes most areas of medicine, including psychiatry, but not psychology. Updated daily.
Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED) - 1985 to date
Covers complementary or alternative medicine, palliative care and several professions allied to medicine. It indexes over 500 English language and European journals, as well as some newspapers and books. Updated monthly.
DH-Data - 1983 to date
Reflects the business of the UK Department of Health (DH) and its Agencies. Core subjects include health services management and administration, with an emphasis on the British National Health Service. It provides details of all DH publications including circulars and press releases. Over 300 journals, books, reports and pamphlets are also covered. Updated monthly.
The Cochrane Library
A collection of databases providing the best available evidence about the effects of healthcare. This includes the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Updated quarterly.
Cochrane is freely accessible in the UK, and in the following other countries. If your country is not listed, you will be able to search the database but will be unable to access the full text.
Examples of databases that can be searched on your behalf by our literature searchers
Toxfile - Pre-1950 to date
Covers toxicology including adverse drug reactions, carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, teratogenesis and food contamination. It contains primarily journals, some technical reports and US government documentation. Composed of the Toxicity Bibliography from Medline and some secondary source sub-files.
PsycINFO – 1806 to date
Covers psychological practice and research and the related clinical, social and biological disciplines. Includes journals, US dissertations, technical reports and book chapters.
Biosis – 1926 to date
Entire field of life sciences: research findings and experimental data on subjects such as cytology, zoology, genetics, botany, microbiology, biochemistry, bioengineering, agriculture and ecology. Includes journals, monographs, reports, meeting abstracts and proceedings.
Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECs)
Covers data on mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, skin and eye irritation, general toxicity, and multiple-dose toxicity. Exposure standards and regulations of over 100,000 man-made or naturally occurring chemicals are also included. Derived from published scientific literature, journal articles, monographs, and published or unpublished US government reports.
Online databases available in the Library only
Journal Citation Reports (JCRs)
The only source of citation data on journals. Covers impact factors and number of times an article has been cited. Updated annually.
Medical Directory
Provides contact details and brief biographies of around 140,000 UK medical practitioners, who are in the Principal List maintained by the General Medical Council (GMC). Inclusion is by return of a form to the publishers. Updated annually.
