Quick Reference: Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

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What are Reference Sources?

Reference sources are invaluable tools that provide comprehensive overviews of topics. They offer access to in-depth, authoritative articles and help identify essential readings in various fields. These sources are useful for clarifying unfamiliar terms or concepts and for identifying keywords to use in further research.

Example: Researching Telehealth in Nursing Practice

Imagine you need to write a paper on the use of telehealth in nursing, focusing on remote patient monitoring for chronic diseases like diabetes. Here’s how you can utilize reference sources to kickstart your research:

1. Getting an Overview of Your Topic:

   • Start with general reference sources such as nursing textbooks, encyclopedias, reputable websites like Medline or Mayo Clinic, and academic databases like ProQuest Central, CINAHL, or Google Scholar.
   • Look for articles or entries that provide an overview of telehealth in nursing, particularly its application in remote patient monitoring for chronic diseases.
   • Explore the integration of telehealth into nursing practice, its benefits, challenges, and any existing guidelines or standards.

2. Identifying Essential Readings in the Field:

   • Delve deeper into the literature to find key articles and studies on telehealth applications in nursing, especially focusing on remote patient monitoring for chronic diseases.
   • Review the sources cited in these articles or entries for additional ideas on where to look next.
   • Use databases like ProQuest Central or CINAHL to find studies showcasing the effectiveness of telehealth in managing chronic conditions and improving patient outcomes. Check their reference lists for further readings.

3. Clarifying Terms or Concepts You Aren't Familiar With:

   • If you encounter unfamiliar terms related to telehealth or specific monitoring technologies, use specialized dictionaries, glossaries, or online resources tailored to nursing professionals.
   • Websites like your state nursing board or government sites like the CDC or WHO often provide definitions and explanations of key terms.

4. Identifying Keywords for Further Information Search:

   • Identify keywords and phrases commonly used in the literature on telehealth and remote patient monitoring in nursing.
   • Terms like "telemedicine in nursing," "remote patient monitoring," or "telehealth technologies for chronic diseases" can guide you to specific aspects of your topic.
   • Maintain a list of these keywords to use when searching databases, library catalogs, or online repositories for more information.

By following these steps, you can systematically explore existing literature, clarify key concepts in telehealth nursing, and identify avenues for further research to inform your paper on the use of telehealth for remote patient monitoring in chronic disease management.