Exploring Point-of-Care Tools: UpToDate vs DynaMed

When it comes to point-of-care resources, UpToDate tends to be the go-to. It’s familiar, widely used, and offers a thorough narrative approach to clinical questions. But if you haven’t taken a look at DynaMed, we encourage you to explore it—it offers a different style that many users find valuable.

While both are evidence-based tools designed to support clinical care, the presentation of information varies:

  • UpToDate presents content in longer, narrative-style sections.
  • DynaMed favors a concise, bulleted format with a clear hierarchy of information, making it easier to scan and compare recommendations.

DynaMed also labels the strength of evidence used to support its recommendations—something many users appreciate. Much of the evidence used is tagged with a level:

  • Level 1 – Likely reliable evidence
  • Level 2 – Mid-level evidence
  • Level 3 – Lacking direct evidence

Both tools offer:

  • Mobile apps (Note: To use the mobile app, you must first create an account within the resource itself and use that login for the app. For help, visit our Mobile Apps guide.)
  • CME credit opportunities
  • The ability to create a personal account, follow your specialty, and receive practice-changing alerts

And here’s something many people don’t realize: DynaMed covers more specialties than UpToDate, including:

  • Pain Management (co-listed with Anesthesiology)
  • Internal Medicine
  • Neonatology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Obesity
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Oral Health
  • Orthopedics (co-listed with Sports Medicine)
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Radiology
  • Substance Use and Addiction Medicine
  • Trauma
  • Urology

If you’re a student or someone preparing to leave Duke, it’s worth getting familiar with both platforms. Not all institutions subscribe to both, and knowing your options can help you make informed choices—whether that’s at your next workplace or when deciding whether to include a resource in your personal budget.

Have questions or want a quick walkthrough of either resource? We’re happy to help!