Ascension - MD

Medical Resources

Lewis P. Gundry Health Sciences Library

900 S Caton Ave, Baltimore MD 21229
Phone: 667-234-3134
Email: stagneslibrary@ascension.org

1st Floor (main building)

Library Open Hours: 7:30AM - 4:00PM (Monday - Friday)

After Hours Access limited (door unlocks at 6:30AM weekdays) 

Librarian: Lucinda Bennett

Medical Databases & Platforms

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Mobile Apps

http://www.imedicalapps.com/

"iMedicalApps is the leading online publication for medical professionals, patients, and analysts interested in mobile medical technology and health care apps. Our physician editors lead a team of physicians, allied health professionals, medical trainees, and mHealth analysts in providing reviews, research, and commentary of mobile medical technology. Our publication is heavily based on our own experiences in the hospital and clinic setting."

 

http://www.medscape.com/public/iphone?src=emed-call

8,500+ prescription and OTC drugs, herbals, and supplements
6,200+ Reference articles for decision-making support
Clinical tools: drug interaction checker, calculators, and pill identifier
And more!

 

sanfordguide.com/coronavirus

"In the interest of providing the medical community with concise information about the rapidly changing SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 situation, Sanford Guide has made its resources related to the pandemic available without a digital subscription."
Access is available on the Web, on IPhone or IPad, and Android devices.

 

Access App

"Learn when you want, where you want, and how you want. Access is your personal medical resource library that makes studying easier and more efficient. Currently available in its preview phase, as early adopters, you have the opportunity to shape the future of optimized and personal medical education. Access personalizes and tailors your medical education experience, giving you the healthcare content you need, on the go, even when you’re offline."

Be sure to create an account on Access Medicine first (on a desktop) and then use those credentials to log into the app.

Open Access Journals & Other Resources

 

Inclusive Language & Mental Health Environments

Healthcare is an ever-changing and dynamic environment. It is important that providers in all fields learn the language and skills to compassionately care for patients of vast backgrounds and mental health status. The following PDFs are crafted by the American Hospital Association to help healthcare workers practice such language. Take a look and feel free to print, share and spread the word in your department.

Compassionate SUD Language

Culturally Aware Language

Mental Health Conditions

People First Language

PTSD Supportive Language

Suicide Destigmatizing Language

Medal - The Medical Algorithms Company

Check out the Medical Algorithms Project, now called Medal The Medical Algorithms Company. 

It has been around for over a decade, and has 1,000s of medical care algorithms for over 45 different specialties in medicine and nursing.  

It was developed by Dr. Sriram Iyengar, Ph.D., of the School of Health information Systems, University of Texas, Houston, and the Institute for Algorithmic Medicine.  For individuals, it is still freely accessible at the URL below. 

You will need to register to gain access; it has iOS and Android apps available. This is an evidence-based clinical decision support tool, with over 22,000 plus calculators and risk scores.  

Here is the URL below:

https://www.medicalalgorithms.com/ 

Top Medical Journals

Citation Matcher

Titles From Our Print Collection

Catalog: Search for Print Resources 

ABOG Recertification

Reading Lists for 2025 are now available!

Access the electronic readings lists below. Note, there will be no August reading list. The Library will no longer be providing print copies of the articles, but we will announce the full reading lists here with live links to each citation. 

 

 

 

  • August 2025 Reading List - There will be no Aug 2025 list as confirmed with ACOG

 

The ACOG Practice Advisory linked below has been added to the 2023 MOC from ABOG in the Emerging Topics section:

Maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccination

Articles of Interest - From our Subscriptions

Handoff Mnemonics Used in Perioperative Handoff Intervention Studies: A Systematic Review

 Patel, S. , Fuller, S. , Michael, M. , O’Hagan, E. , Lazzara, E. & Riesenberg, L. (2025). Handoff Mnemonics Used in Perioperative Handoff Intervention Studies: A Systematic Review. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 141 (3), 468-481. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000007261.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Perioperative handoffs are known to present unique challenges to safe and effective patient care. Numerous national accrediting bodies have called for standardized, structured handoff processes. Handoff mnemonics provide a memory aid and standardized structure, as well as promote a shared mental model. We set out to identify perioperative handoff intervention studies that included a handoff mnemonic; critically assess process and patient outcome improvements that support specific mnemonics; and propose future recommendations.

METHODS:

We conducted a systematic review of the English language perioperative handoff intervention literature designed to identify handoff mnemonic interventions. A comprehensive protocol was developed and registered (CRD42022363615). Searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, ERIC (EBSCO), Education Full Text (EBSCO), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Cochrane (January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2022). Pairs of trained reviewers were involved in all phases of the search and extraction process.

RESULTS:

Thirty-seven articles with 23 unique mnemonics met the inclusion criteria. Most articles were published after 2015 (29/37; 78%). Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR), and SBAR variants were used in over half of all studies (22/37; 59%), with 45% (10/22) reporting at least 1 statistically significant process improvement. Seventy percent of handoff mnemonics (26/37) were expanded into lists or checklists. Fifty-seven percent of studies (21/37) reported using an interdisciplinary/interprofessional team to develop the intervention. In 49% of all studies (18/37) at least 1 measurement tool was either previously published or the authors conducting some form of measurement tool validation. Forty-one percent of process measurement tools (11/27) had some form of validation. Although most studies used training/education as an implementation strategy (36/37; 97%), descriptions tended to be brief with few details and no study used interprofessional education. Twenty-seven percent of the identified studies (10/37) measured perception alone and 11% (4/37) measured patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

While the evidence supporting one handoff mnemonic over others is weak, SBAR/SBAR variants have been studied more often in the perioperative environment demonstrating some process improvements. A key finding is that 70% of included studies converted their handoff mnemonic to a list or checklist. Finally, given the essential nature of effective handoffs to perioperative patient safety, it is crucial that handoff interventions are well developed, implemented, and evaluated. We propose 8 recommendations for future perioperative handoff mnemonic clinical interventions and research.

 

Implications of the European Association for the Study of Obesity's New Framework Definition of Obesity: Prevalence and Association With All-Cause Mortality

 
Dicker, D. , Karpati, T. , Promislow, S. & Reges, O. (2025). Annals of Internal Medicine, 178 (8), 1065-1072. doi: 10.7326/ANNALS-24-02547.

 

Abstract

Background:

Background:

The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) recently introduced a new framework to define obesity that incorporates anthropometric measures beyond body mass index (BMI) and clinical comorbidities. However, this framework has not been validated.

Objective:

To describe the distribution of overweight and obesity and determine the prevalence of complications and association of obesity with all-cause mortality using BMI categories and the new EASO framework.

Design:

Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis.

Setting:

NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) from 1999 to 2018 linked to mortality data.

Participants:

A representative sample of the adult population in the United States aged 18 to 79 years.

Measurements:

Obesity defined using BMI categories was compared with the new EASO definition.

Results:

The study population included 44 030 adults. On the basis of the new EASO definition, 18.8% of adults who were previously defined as overweight based on BMI alone were now considered persons with obesity (PWO). Similar mortality risk was found among the newly identified PWO and persons with normal weight (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.10]), whereas higher risk was seen among persons with BMI of 30 kg/m 2 or greater (HR, 1.19 [CI, 1.08 to 1.32]). However, when compared with persons with normal weight who did not have major morbidities, a higher risk was seen among the newly identified PWO (HR, 1.50 [CI, 1.20 to 1.88]), although this higher risk was no greater than the higher risk seen among persons with normal weight and comorbidities (HR, 1.74 [CI, 1.34 to 2.22]). Excess risk was seen among PWO compared with persons with overweight according to both the new EASO framework and the traditional BMI definition. The most prevalent complications among the newly identified PWO were hypertension (79.9%), arthritis (33.2%), diabetes (15.6%), and cardiovascular disease (10.5%).

Limitation:

Residual confounding; body weight assessed at a single time point.

Conclusion:

The new EASO framework may provide a more sensitive tool to diagnose obesity than the traditional BMI definition, but whether these newly identified adults with obesity would benefit comparably to obesity treatment as those traditionally included in treatment trials is uncertain.

Primary Funding Source:

Ariel University and the Holon Institute of Technology, Israel.

 

The European Association for the Study of Obesity recently introduced a new framework to define obesity that incorporates anthropometric measures beyond body mass index (BMI) and clinical comorbidities. However, this framework has not been validated. This study examines the risk for death of those newly diagnosed with obesity by this framework relative to those defined by BMI alone.

 

 

Patient‐reported discordance between care goals and treatment intent in advanced cancer

 Shah, M.P., Wenger, N.S., Glaspy, J., Hays, R.D., Sudore, R.L., Rahimi, M., Gibbs, L., Anand, S., Tseng, C.H., & Walling, A.M. (2025, September). Patient‐reported discordance between care goals and treatment intent in advanced cancer. Cancer, 131(17), n/a. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35976

Abstract:

Purpose

Goal‐concordant care is achieved when treatment is aligned with goals. This study describes patient‐reported concordance between care goals and treatment intent in advanced cancer compared to other serious illnesses.

Methods

A post hoc cross‐sectional analysis of baseline survey responses was conducted in adult patients enrolled in a multisite trial of advance care planning. Patients reported whether they prefer and whether they are receiving treatment that prioritizes longevity (life‐extending care) versus comfort (comfort‐focused care). Concordance between care preferences and perceived treatment intent in patients with advanced cancer versus other advanced illnesses was compared. Mortality rates for patients with cancer stratified by perceived care concordance are reported.

Results

Among 1099 patients, those with advanced cancer ( n  = 231) reported similar preference for comfort‐focused care (49% vs 48%, p  = .47) and had similar 24‐month mortality (16% v 13%, p  = .25) as patients with other serious illnesses ( n  = 868). Among patients preferring comfort‐focused care, patients with cancer ( n  = 113) were more likely than patients with other illnesses ( n  = 413) to report receiving (discordant) life‐extending care (37% vs. 19%, p  < .001). Among patients with cancer preferring comfort‐focused care, there was no statistically significant difference in 24‐month mortality between those who reported receiving (discordant) life‐extending versus (concordant) comfort‐focused care (24% v 15%, p  = .31).

Conclusions

Compared to patients with other serious illnesses, a relatively large portion of patients with advanced cancer reported that their treatment discordantly focused on longevity over comfort despite their goal to prioritize comfort over longevity.

To provide goal‐concordant care in advanced cancer, treatment intent must be aligned with patients’ care preferences. This cross‐sectional analysis finds that compared to patients with other serious illnesses, a relatively large portion of patients with advanced cancer believe that their treatment discordantly focuses on longevity over comfort despite their goal to prioritize comfort over longevity.

 

 
 Tang, B. , Manalo, J. , Chowdhury, S. , Aldrich, J. , Weinhouse, G. , Cordoza, M. , Louzon, P. , Balas, M. , Stollings, J. , McNett, M. , Dearness, K. , Estrada-Codecido, J. , Chaudhuri, D. , Carayannopoulos, K. & Lewis, K. (2025). Melatonin Use in the ICU: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Critical Care Medicine, 53 (9), e1714-e1724. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006767.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Melatonin has wide-ranging effects on the body, including the regulation of circadian rhythm, and potentiation of cellular immune and antioxidant activities. In critically ill patients, endogenous melatonin has been shown to be markedly deranged and reduced. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if exogenous supplementation of melatonin improves patient-centered outcomes.

Data Sources:

We searched five electronic databases.

Study Selection:

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared melatonin to no melatonin in adults admitted to the ICU were identified.

Data Extraction:

We aggregated data as relative risks, mean differences (MDs), and standard mean differences (SMDs) using a random-effects model. Supporting evidence for each effect was evaluated for certainty using the Grading Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach.

Data Synthesis:

In total, 32 RCTs ( n = 3895 patients) were included. We found that melatonin may reduce delirium (relative risk [RR] 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58–0.89; low certainty), may slightly reduce ICU length of stay (MD –0.57 d; 95% CI, –0.95 to –0.18 d; low certainty), and may improve reported sleep quality (SMD 0.54; 95% CI, 0.01–1.07; low certainty). Melatonin may result in a slight reduction in the frequency of adverse events (low certainty). Evidence was uncertain with regards to the frequency of sleep awakenings, anxiety level, agitation, and post-traumatic stress disorder incidence (all very low certainty), as well as to ICU mortality and post-ICU functional status (both low certainty).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that melatonin administration in the critically ill may improve perceived sleep and reduce delirium, without increasing adverse effects. Certainty of evidence was negatively affected by the risk of bias and inconsistency. Future RCTs should focus on identifying optimal dosing, administration timing, improving measurements of sleep outcomes, and target populations.
 Witkop, C. , Picardo, C. , Vosooney, A. , Nelson, H. , Cantor, A. , Son, S. , Collins, M. , Hoffstetter, S. , Markland, A. , Mason, D. , Mackay, E. , Rosser, M. , Streilein, A. , Weil, A. , Garcia, F. , Kendig, S. , Qaseem, A. , Ramos, D. , Salganicoff, A. , Wood, J. , O'Reilly, N. , Zahn, C. & Gregory, K. (2025). Recommendations From the Women's Preventive Services Initiative on Breast Cancer Screening for Women at Average Risk and Patient Navigation Services for Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 146 (3), 315-322. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006011.
 

Abstract:

 

The Women's Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI) expanded its previous breast cancer screening recommendation—initiate annual or biennial mammography screening for women at average risk of breast cancer between the ages of 40 and 50 years—by including additional imaging and pathology evaluation as part of the screening process if needed. Consistent with the previous recommendation, screening should continue through at least age 74 years, and age alone should not be the basis for discontinuing screening. To increase utilization of screening recommendations, the WPSI also issued a new recommendation to provide patient navigation services for breast and cervical cancer screening. To update its 2016 breast cancer screening recommendation, the WPSI found no new evidence of benefits and harms of screening. However, additional studies reported that gaps in insurance coverage contributed to incomplete follow-up after an initial abnormal mammogram for many women. For its new patient navigation recommendation, the WPSI evaluated 42 randomized controlled trials of patient navigation services for breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up that showed increased rates compared with usual care. Patient navigation services involve person-to-person contact and are individualized to the patient's specific needs. Services include but are not limited to person-centered assessment and planning, health care access and health system navigation, referrals to support services, and patient education. The new recommendations are intended to expand breast cancer screening follow-up and to improve access and equity for cancer screening. Beginning in 2026, under the Affordable Care Act, these services will be covered without copay or deductible charges for most eligible women.

 

 

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Ascension Resources

Ascension Patient Health Library

"Ascension has partnered with WebMD Ignite on a new Patient Health Library, which has recently launched on Ascension.org. This library increases our community's access to trusted education content in video, digital, and print formats, in both English and Spanish. By keeping patients, their family and friends informed throughout their journey, we can improve health outcomes, build trust and reinforce out Vision of health, healing and hope for all."

Ascension Care Management Library

This tool is a Health Encyclopedia that lists medical terms in A - Z fashion. Select "Search Clinical Content" for provider educational entries, or select "Search Patient Health Library" for quick references for the patient side of health questions. 

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American Academy of Pediatrics Resources

As of November 2021, all publications via the AAP have been on a single platform All journals subscribed to by the Library will be housed on the following pages, which will be made available on the Library site:

Briggs

These helpful guides on how to access Briggs Drugs in Pregnancy have been shared by a fellow Ascension Librarian in Wisconsin.

How to get to Briggs Drugs in Pregnancy & Lactation through Lexicomp

Briggs Drugs in Pregnancy & Lactation – via LexiComp [Direct Link]

The Medical Letter

"We want to make sure you are aware of the valuable features of The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics so you can immediately maximize the benefits and find what you need.

We have prepared this brief Getting Started Guide to provide your users with tips on how best to use your new subscription to The Medical Letter."

Getting Started Guide. [Power Point Download]

Guideline Resources

Academy Websites & Publisher's Open Access  

Official Government Guidelines

The US government's National Guideline Clearinghouse is a repository of US clinical practice guidelines as well as some international guidelines with the goal of improving patient safety standards and healthcare measures.  Click on the NGC links below to take you to the URLs, to the link for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and to the link to the US government site for the Preventive Taskforce guidelines.

Governments & Free Agency Websites

Blogs & Podcasts

  • Elsevier Clinical Insights
     
     
  • Not Otherwise Specified 
    • "In “Not Otherwise Specified,” Dr. Lisa Rosenbaum, cardiologist and national correspondent for the New England Journal of Medicine, defies our sound-bite culture to go deep with some of medicine’s most innovative thinkers. Her guests’ stories and ideas about health care’s toughest challenges and greatest promise may change the way you think about medicine, health, and society."

MKSAP

Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program 19: Parts A & B now available for check-out!

Print copies of the latest Parts A & B are available for check-out in the Library Office - not in the stacks! MKSAP 18 IS in the stacks.

The borrowing time for each volume is 2 weeks. There is only a single copy of each volume so please be mindful of your due dates.

If you have a personal subscription to the online content of MKSAP, using the print resource as a supplement is an excellent way to diversify your study game.

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