When citing Epocrates in APA style, it’s essential to consider the type of content you’re referencing, as Epocrates is a comprehensive medical reference platform that provides a wide range of information, including drug monographs, disease diagnoses, and treatment guidelines. Here’s a general guideline for citing Epocrates in APA style:
Basic Citation Format: Since Epocrates is a database or an online platform, you would cite it as a reference with the following elements:
- Author (if applicable)
- Publication date (if applicable, but often not available for dynamic databases like Epocrates)
- Title of the specific content (if applicable, e.g., a drug monograph title)
- Title of the database or platform (Epocrates)
- URL or DOI (if available)
- Access date (since the content may change)
Example Citation for a Drug Monograph:
If you’re citing a specific drug monograph from Epocrates, your citation might look something like this:
Epocrates. (n.d.). Metformin. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://online.epocrates.com/
Note: - “n.d.” stands for “no date” since the publication date for the specific monograph might not be available. - The access date (February 22, 2023) is crucial because the content of the monograph can be updated, and citing the access date helps to identify the version of the information you consulted. - If the monograph has a specific author or a known publication date, you should include that information in the citation.
Example Citation for Disease or Diagnostic Information:
For information on diseases, diagnostic criteria, or treatment guidelines, the citation structure remains similar:
Epocrates. (n.d.). Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://online.epocrates.com/
Citing a Specific Section or Page:
If you need to cite a specific section within Epocrates, such as a page on dosing or side effects for a medication, you can modify the citation like this:
Epocrates. (n.d.). Metformin: Dosage. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://online.epocrates.com/drugs/metformin/dosage
In-Text Citation: For in-text citations, APA style typically uses the author’s last name and the year of publication. Since Epocrates often doesn’t provide a specific author or year, you might use the title of the specific content in parentheses, followed by “n.d.” for no date, and the access date:
(Epocrates, n.d., February 22, 2023)
Or, if you’re citing a specific title from Epocrates:
(Metformin, n.d., February 22, 2023)
However, given the dynamic nature of online platforms like Epocrates and the variability in citation styles, it’s always a good idea to consult the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual or the APA Style website for the most current guidance on citing such sources. Additionally, your instructor or institution may have specific preferences or guidelines for citing online medical references, so be sure to check with them if you’re unsure.
