What is Primary Literature?
Primary sources are original research works, such as research articles, that report on a specific, individual research study. These might include clinical trials, case reports, datasets, etc.
Primary sources are best used when you want to know about specific research results, or are looking into a novel or developing research topic.
What is Secondary Literature?
Secondary sources used primary sources as their source material. They usually, combine, synthesize, or comment on primary sources. Secondary sources include literature reviews, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines.
Secondary sources are best used when you want an overview of a subject, or when you need evidence to inform clinical practice.