title: Searching for evidence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a clear call for a single-source knowledge base linking literature on architecture and human outcomes. However, this seemingly simple need relies upon a vast source of information from multiple disciplines, each with their own vocabulary, structures, and modes of disciplinary thought.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The "Information Age" provides an abundance of research from the sciences as well as the humanities. Despite unprecedented access via public and licensed databases, searching across knowledge repositories remains a labor-intensive and skilled task. It therefore behooves the design profession to collaborate with experts in research, and to seek new skills for searching, interpreting, and applying evidence to design.
  
  
  METHODS
  The pattern of database usage by 71 professionals involved with evidence-based design in healthcare facilities was studied. Respondents represented a range of interests including healthcare practitioners and executives, researchers, and design professionals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Survey analysis revealed that a large number of information repositories are used (45), though few sources were used in common among the respondents.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. eedelstein@ucsd.edu
authors.forename: Eve A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Edelstein
mesh_terms: D001108:Architecture; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019992:Databases as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036262:Empirical Research; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007256:Information Systems; D039781:PubMed; D018511:Systems Integration; D014481:United States