The microcomputer as a tool for literature searches.

Within the past several decades, computerized databases have been created for physicians. Technology now allows any physician who has access to a microcomputer to do computer literature searches. This article describes some of the hardware, software, and databases available to computer searchers. Two useful database providers, Dialog and Bibliographic Retrieval Services, are described. Two examples are given to illustrate the technique of literature search by computer. Basic skills needed to conduct searches are outlined, as are the advantages and disadvantages to physicians doing their own computer searches.