The Leddy Library is transitioning its subscription for point-of-care information tools from UpToDate to DynaMed. Leddy Library now subscribes to DynaMed, which will be our primary point of care resource. As of November 30th, 2025, the Library's subscription to UpToDate will be discontinued. This decision follows a review conducted in Fall 2023, during which Librarians with subject expertise evaluated both products and consulted with faculty and students.
DynaMed is a more cost-effective solution, which is especially important given the current financial pressures facing the Leddy Library and the University of Windsor. Two years ago, we consulted with faculty and students about a potential switch, and the majority of responses were either neutral or supportive. After a thorough review of the feedback and careful evaluation of available options, we have selected DynaMed as the most comprehensive and sustainable product for the University of Windsor community.
Studies comparing point-of-care information tools have found that DynaMed and UpToDate are comparable across several key dimensions. Both platforms perform similarly in providing accurate clinical answers, offering rapid answers to clinical questions, user friendly interfaces, and presenting high-quality and in-depth information. Both tools effectively assess and present the level of evidence behind clinical recommendations, ensuring reliable guidance for healthcare professionals. While some studies note a user preference for the UpToDate interface, this can likely be attributed more to familiarity than to meaningful differences in functionality.
We appreciate your understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact Annie Kavanagh for any questions, comments, or concerns about these changes.
Why the change?
DynaMed offers high-quality, evidence-based medical information with a unique focus on grading the strength of evidence behind clinical recommendations. This grading system provides more precise insights into the reliability of the information, making it a particularly valuable tool for clinicians. While UpToDate also offers comprehensive content, this emphasis on evidence grading is a distinctive feature of DynaMed.DynaMed is a more cost-effective solution, which is especially important given the current financial pressures facing the Leddy Library and the University of Windsor. Two years ago, we consulted with faculty and students about a potential switch, and the majority of responses were either neutral or supportive. After a thorough review of the feedback and careful evaluation of available options, we have selected DynaMed as the most comprehensive and sustainable product for the University of Windsor community.
Studies comparing point-of-care information tools have found that DynaMed and UpToDate are comparable across several key dimensions. Both platforms perform similarly in providing accurate clinical answers, offering rapid answers to clinical questions, user friendly interfaces, and presenting high-quality and in-depth information. Both tools effectively assess and present the level of evidence behind clinical recommendations, ensuring reliable guidance for healthcare professionals. While some studies note a user preference for the UpToDate interface, this can likely be attributed more to familiarity than to meaningful differences in functionality.
What this means for you
DynaMed is immediately available for use as our new clinical decision support tool. Access to UpToDate will continue until November 30th, 2025, after which it will no longer be accessible through the library. The overlap period allows you to begin using and exploring DynaMed immediately and become comfortable using it before the transition is complete. Students can purchase individual monthly or annual personal subscriptions to UpToDate through the Wolters Kluwer website.Getting started with DynaMed
To help you start with DynaMed, refer to the official tutorial or join one of our upcoming training sessions in August and October. Please get in touch with the library’s research and help team if you require further support or have questions about how to use DynaMed.We appreciate your understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact Annie Kavanagh for any questions, comments, or concerns about these changes.
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