Self-tests are included. The editor has a policy of reviewing new drugs early, even before complete information is available. Australian drug approvals usually precede Canada s and sometimes the drug brand names are different. The best source of unbiased systematic reviews of drug therapy evidence is the Cochrane Library , available on CD ROM with 4 updates annually or on the Internet with paid subscription. The scientific rigor of this source is not matched by any other.
Topics covered are still limited but rapidly expanding.
In practice we often don t need the latest information, but rather quick and reliable information to treat conditions with which we are less familiar. A small but good library can be the most helpful source. The inflammatory tone may be a deterrent to some doctors, but it contains interesting data and comparisons and will encourage conservative prescribing. It provides a list of the drugs of first and second choice plus dose and cost information for most common conditions in family practice. Larger references are familiar to many.